DOJ Warns HarperCollins Against Publishing Zachary Young's Spy Memoir

The Department of Justice has issued a warning to HarperCollins, threatening legal action if the publisher proceeds with Zachary Young's upcoming memoir, "American Spy." Young, a U.S. Navy veteran trained by the CIA, has criticized the DOJ's warning as an intimidation tactic. He previously won a defamation lawsuit against CNN, which has heightened his profile and led to the memoir's development. Young's book aims to recount his experiences working undercover in international espionage, but he insists it does not include classified information.

In a letter dated June 26, DOJ Federal Programs Branch director Alexander Haas informed Young that he is prohibited from publishing material related to his former employment without prior approval from the United States government. The letter emphasized that Young had agreed to a nondisclosure agreement during his CIA tenure, which requires him to submit any writings for review before publication. Haas warned that proceeding without this review could jeopardize national security and lead to civil suits or criminal prosecution.

Young has expressed frustration over the DOJ's stance, stating that he has cooperated with the review process and has not been informed about specific passages the agency finds objectionable. He believes the DOJ's actions are more about protecting the agency's reputation than actual national security concerns. Young pointed out that his affiliation with the CIA was previously confirmed during his defamation trial against CNN, indicating that the agency was aware of his background before the litigation began.

HarperCollins has paused the publication of "American Spy" until the situation with the DOJ and CIA is resolved. Young remains determined to publish his memoir, asserting that he has complied with his NDA obligations and is willing to work with the agency to ensure no classified information is disclosed. He argues that the prepublication review process is intended to prevent mistakes, but claims the agency's current approach is coercive rather than collaborative.

Young's legal battle with CNN stemmed from allegations that he profited illegally while assisting individuals fleeing Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. A jury awarded him $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million for personal damages, leading to a settlement before punitive damages were determined. Young has stated that writing the memoir was never his intention and that he was reluctant to engage in litigation with a major media organization. HarperCollins has not yet commented on the DOJ's warning or the status of the memoir.