In this week’s Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host and FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake in a conversation recorded on July 4th. Turner calls Drake’s journey “a testament to the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the intelligence community,” and says his story shows why stronger protections are needed and stands as a lasting symbol of courage.
Drake talks about his early life, growing up in a military family, and being around a national security culture from a young age. Drake recalls joining the Air Force in 1979, where he worked as a cryptologic linguist and underwent SERE training, including waterboarding. This experience shaped his views on lawful and unlawful orders. He later worked at the CIA and as a government contractor. At the NSA, he became an internal whistleblower about the expensive Minstrel program and lost his job after refusing to commit fraud.
In 2001, Drake began a senior leadership role at the NSA on his first day, September 11th. He says the intelligence system had been “blinking red” and explains that the response after 9/11 made him feel he had to speak out.
Listen now WNN, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Remember to subscribe on your favorite platform! And tune in next week for part 2.