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Ex-CIA Chief Claims Prosecutors Tested Tactics on Trump

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Kiriakou, the former Central Intelligence Agency counterterrorism chief, says his 2012 prosecution was a trial run for tactics used against U.S. President Donald Trump.
He argues prosecutors tested strategies on him before targeting higher-profile figures.
Kiriakou says the approach aims to bankrupt targets and damage reputations.
He warns CIA and FBI officials can undermine presidents they oppose.
The Justice Department accused Kiriakou of endangering a covert officer's life.

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Story summary

John Kiriakou, the former Central Intelligence Agency counterterrorism chief, says his 2012 prosecution was a trial run for tactics used against U.S. President Donald Trump.
He argues prosecutors tested strategies on him before targeting higher-profile figures.
Kiriakou says the approach aims to bankrupt targets and damage reputations.
He warns CIA and FBI officials can undermine presidents they oppose.
The Justice Department accused Kiriakou of endangering a covert officer's life.