PBD Podcast Glenn Greenwald: CIA's Venezuela Coup, Trump Meets Lula & Epstein Whistleblowers | PBD Podcast | Ep. 674
17 snips
Oct 28, 2025 
Glenn Greenwald, an investigative journalist and author, dives into the murky waters of geopolitics. He unpacks the alleged CIA plots against Venezuela's Maduro and discusses the implications of Trump’s recent meeting with Lula da Silva. Greenwald highlights the risks whistleblowers face today and identifies key areas for future revelations, including Epstein's files and U.S.-Israel relations. The conversation also critiques U.S. foreign interventions and contemplates the impact of media consolidation on public discourse.
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Leaker Prosecutions Chilled Whistleblowing
- The U.S. security state escalated prosecutions of leakers using the Espionage Act, creating a chilling effect on whistleblowers.
- Glenn Greenwald argues that harsh treatment of Snowden, Manning, and Assange deterred similar mass digital leaks.
Inside Hong Kong With Snowden
- Edward Snowden risked his future and did not sell secrets to adversaries; he sought U.S. journalists and redaction safeguards.
- Greenwald recounts being in Hong Kong with Snowden and witnessing his conviction to sacrifice his life for public disclosure.
Pardon Almost Happened — Then Politics Intervened
- Trump nearly pardoned Snowden during the 2020–2021 transition but faced intense establishment pressure.
- Greenwald says Republican senators warned Trump a pardon could trigger impeachment conviction threats.
