John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, is experiencing an unlikely surge in online fame. The 61-year-vintage, who served nearly two years in prison for disclosing classified information, has become a viral sensation on TikTok and other social media platforms, fueled by clips of his detailed and often startling accounts of his time in the agency. This unexpected spotlight is now part of a long-running effort to secure a presidential pardon and restore his lost pension—a campaign that has taken a decidedly latest turn.
Kiriakou’s story is one of service, whistleblowing, and subsequent legal battles. From 1990 to 2004, he worked as a CIA analyst and counterterrorism officer, playing a key role in the 2002 capture of Abu Zubaydah, a high-ranking al Qaeda operative. He later publicly discussed the CIA’s use of “enhanced interrogation techniques,” including waterboarding, during Zubaydah’s detention, sparking controversy and ultimately leading to criminal charges. In 2012, the Justice Department accused Kiriakou of violating the Espionage Act by revealing the identity of a covert operative to journalists, and he subsequently pleaded guilty. He finished his sentence in 2015, but the repercussions continue to affect his life.
For nearly two decades, Kiriakou has sought a presidential pardon, arguing that his actions were motivated by a desire to expose unethical and illegal practices within the agency. He estimates his lost pension to be around $700,000, a significant financial loss he believes is unjust. “Without that pension, I’m going to have to work until the day I die,” Kiriakou has stated. His previous attempts to navigate the traditional pardon process, and even the informal channels favored during the Trump administration, proved unsuccessful. Now, he’s leveraging the power of internet virality, appearing on podcasts popular with the same audiences that once tuned in to former President Trump.
From Podcasts to TikTok Fame
The current wave of attention began after Kiriakou appeared on Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO” podcast in January. Clips from the lengthy conversation, which delved into his CIA career, his decision to blow the whistle, and his imprisonment, began circulating widely on TikTok without his direct involvement. Bartlett’s show boasts over 15 million subscribers on YouTube, providing a substantial platform for Kiriakou’s story to reach a new audience.
What’s resonating with viewers isn’t just the gravity of Kiriakou’s experiences, but the way he recounts them. TikTok users are creating “brainrot”-style edits – quick-paced, visually engaging compilations of his most compelling anecdotes. These clips detail everything from intelligence gathering in Pakistan, as shown in a viral TikTok video, to the shadowy history of the CIA’s MKUltra program, as highlighted in another popular post here. One commenter playfully noted the frequency of Kiriakou’s appearances on their “For You” page, writing, “See you in two scrolls.”
User @_bamboclat is credited with popularizing these edits, amassing around 50 million views on their account, according to Know Your Meme. “I first found out about him through podcasts on TikTok,” @_bamboclat told reporters. “I think the reason why everyone is in love with him is because he’s a good storyteller. He’s been telling it for 20 years. Slowing down and speeding it up, the meme version of him, is pretty popular with Gen Z and the TikTok audience.”
A New Chapter: CAA and Cameo
The unexpected virality has translated into tangible opportunities. Kiriakou has been signed by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a major talent agency, and has joined Cameo, a platform where fans can request personalized videos from celebrities. He’s already completed over 700 Cameo videos, charging approximately $150 per request. One recent video featured Kiriakou giving a shout-out to a nail salon, which the business then used in its own TikTok advertising here.
This foray into the creator economy represents a significant shift for Kiriakou, who previously worked as a counterterrorism analyst and consultant. It also highlights the evolving landscape of public perception and the power of social media to amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard. His case has drawn renewed attention to the debate surrounding whistleblowing, government transparency, and the consequences faced by those who challenge the status quo.
The Pardon Pursuit Continues
While the newfound fame and income are welcome, Kiriakou’s primary goal remains securing a presidential pardon. He has previously explored the possibility of a pardon during the Trump administration, a period marked by controversial and often politically motivated clemency grants, as reported by The New York Times. However, those efforts were unsuccessful.
Kiriakou’s appearances on podcasts like those hosted by Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan, platforms that also attracted a significant Trump-aligned audience, suggest a strategic attempt to reach a similar demographic. Whether this new approach will yield different results remains to be seen. The Biden administration has not yet indicated any intention to revisit Kiriakou’s case.
The next step for Kiriakou is to continue building his online presence and leveraging his newfound platform to raise awareness about his case. He is actively engaging with his followers on social media and exploring opportunities to share his story with a wider audience. The White House has not publicly commented on Kiriakou’s pardon request since his recent surge in popularity.
What do you think about John Kiriakou’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below and consider sharing this article with your network.
