New York Times Reveals Subpoena of Journalist in North Korea Investigation
Al Jazeera Staff
The New York Times disclosed that freelance reporter Matthew Cole received a subpoena from the Trump administration linked to an investigation into a covert military operation in North Korea. The paper vows legal support, while critics see it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom.
The New York Times revealed on Saturday (June 21) that freelance reporter Matthew Cole received a subpoena from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump in connection with an investigation into a secret military operation in North Korea.
Last September, Cole and the paper's national reporter Dave Philipps conducted an investigation into a covert 2019 mission in which U.S. Navy SEALs landed on the North Korean coast. Their objective was reportedly to install an electronic eavesdropping device to intercept communications. The mission failed when the SEALs encountered a North Korean vessel and opened fire on those aboard.
Citing anonymous sources, the Times reported that FBI agents visited Cole's residence in New York City in February to deliver the subpoena. Unable to reach him, they sent it to his lawyer instead.
The move is seen as the latest legal action in a series of steps by the Trump administration to clamp down on suspected leaks.
The Times said it would provide legal support for Cole. Attorney David A. O'Neil, who has represented the paper in recent cases, will defend him. O'Neil told the Times that Cole “will defend press freedom and the First Amendment against this administration's blatant attacks on journalists, and will honor his commitment to his sources.”
In a statement to Reuters, Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander called the subpoena “part of the government's escalating attacks on journalists.” He added: “Requiring disclosure of sources is another blatant and unlawful attack by the administration to deny the public information of vital importance.”
It remains unclear why the subpoena for Cole was revealed at this time, months after it was issued.
The disclosure follows the Trump administration's earlier this month summoning several New York Times journalists after they reported on security concerns related to the president's new Air Force One aircraft. Those subpoenas were withdrawn last week.
In March, The Wall Street Journal and its reporters also received subpoenas seeking sources for an article about Pentagon warnings regarding the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict.
Trump's administration launched the war with Israel on February 28. So far, 18 U.S. service members have been killed and hundreds injured. Thousands have died in Iran, Lebanon, and other parts of the Middle East as fighting spreads.
Under standard Department of Justice procedures, subpoenas are considered a last resort in criminal investigations, particularly when constitutional rights are involved. Subpoenas against journalists have historically been rare, as the First Amendment protects freedom of speech and of the press.
However, under the second Trump administration, civil rights advocates warn that such legal actions are increasing in frequency and facing heightened scrutiny in courts.
On Tuesday (June 17), Democratic senators requested information about the DOJ's use of subpoenas against Times journalists. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff said in a statement: “The Department of Justice's lack of transparency and aggressive actions against journalists—in this case, apparently directed by President Trump after he was upset by negative coverage—fit this administration's pattern of pressuring media outlets.”
Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) warned that subpoenas could “have a chilling effect on journalists' work nationwide.” Meanwhile, the DOJ defends the use of subpoenas as necessary to protect national security secrets.
