U.S. Justice Department Subpoenas New York Times Journalist in North Korea Leak Investigation
The U.S. Justice Department has issued a subpoena to Matthew Cole, a freelance journalist for the New York Times, as part of an investigation into a 2025 article about a failed U.S. military operation in North Korea. The subpoena, issued by Virginia prosecutors, demands over two years of Cole's notes and his testimony. The article in question, co-authored by Cole, reported on a 2019 mission by Navy SEALs that resulted in the deaths of several unarmed North Koreans. The New York Times has publicly supported Cole's decision to disclose the subpoena, which the government had attempted to keep confidential. The Justice Department has not commented on Cole's case specifically but emphasized its commitment to using legal means to identify those who unlawfully disclose national defense information. The New York Times is covering Cole's legal expenses, and his attorney has stated that Cole will not be intimidated by efforts to suppress information. 
