Judging Freedom John Kiriakou : How Rogue Is US Intelligence?
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Feb 9, 2026 
John Kiriakou, former CIA officer and whistleblower who exposed agency interrogation practices, recounts oath, vindication, and refusal to join torture training. He discusses presidential authorizations, rogue operations, CIA ties to Iran unrest and MEK, Contra-era cocaine allegations, and concerns that intelligence actions can undermine American freedom.
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Refusing To Train In Torture
- John Kiriakou recounts refusing to participate when offered training in 'enhanced interrogation techniques' because he believed it was torture and illegal.
- He says he was the only one of 14 people who said no, illustrating internal acceptance of abusive programs.
Kill Lists Show Executive Overreach
- Kiriakou describes the Obama-era 'Tuesday morning kill list' as an institutionalized assassination program run by the executive branch.
- He connects renditions, killings, and other covert actions as examples of the executive overstepping legal bounds without congressional or judicial pushback.
Agent Blamed For Following Orders
- Kiriakou tells the story of CIA officer Robert Baer being accused by the NSC of plotting to kill Saddam Hussein and forced to leave the agency.
- He says Baer followed orders but became a convenient fall guy when the White House needed someone to blame.