How I became a CIA whistleblower | John Kiriakou | TEDxFoggyBottom

John Kiriakou had a great career as a CIA analyst, until discovering what he considered to be an unethical torture and interrogation program within the organization. How do you hold your employer accountable when they’re the highest authority in the country? John Kiriakou is formerly a CIA officer, senior investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and counterterrorism consultant for ABC News. In 2007, Kiriakou blew the whistle on the CIA’s torture program, telling ABC News that the CIA tortured prisoners, that torture was official U.S. government policy, and that the policy was approved by then-President George W. Bush. He was the sixth whistleblower indicted by the Obama administration, and served 23 months in prison. Now, Kiriakou is a noted columnist, radio talk show host, and celebrated author. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at