The Tucker Carlson Show

John Kiriakou: CIA’s Secret Torture Programs, MK-Ultra, 9-11, and Jailing Political Opponents

107 snips
Jun 4, 2025
John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer and whistleblower, shares his harrowing journey exposing the agency's torture practices. He reveals the intense backlash he faced, including threats from high-level officials. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas within the intelligence community, contrasting torture with effective interrogation methods. Kiriakou recounts his experiences in prison and highlights the complex relationship between truth-telling and political consequences, revealing the darker side of government operations.
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ANECDOTE

CIA's Use of Hypnosis

  • John Kiriakou described hypnotizing a man during a CIA operation, which caused the man to have his arm raised for two hours and vomit upon waking.
  • This anecdote illustrates the CIA’s use of psychological techniques in operations.
INSIGHT

CIA's Post-9/11 Shift and Torture

  • The CIA shifted from intelligence gathering to a paramilitary role after 9/11, focusing on drones and tech rather than human spies.
  • No one who authorized or conducted torture was jailed, only John Kiriakou who exposed it.
ANECDOTE

FBI Agent Masqueraded as Diplomat

  • A Japanese diplomat propositioned Kiriakou to spy for money, but he reported it to FBI.
  • The diplomat was an FBI agent trying to induce espionage to charge Kiriakou.
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