1A 'If You Can Keep It': Weakening Whistleblower Protections
Jul 28, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Lauren Harper, The Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy, and Hampton Dellinger, a former special counsel, dive deep into the current threats to whistleblower protections under the Trump administration. They highlight the vital role whistleblowers play in ensuring government accountability and transparency. Personal anecdotes reveal the fear of retaliation faced by those who speak out. The conversation underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and raises concerns about the impact of AI on democracy and freedom of the press.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Whistleblower Faces Retaliation
- Hampton Dellinger reported a principal for drinking on the job and faced harassment charges himself.
- Despite being absolved, he realized HR protected the business, not the workers.
Crackdown on Watchdogs Chills Investigations
- Trump fired many inspectors general, intimidating watchdog offices.
- Remaining staff hesitate to investigate, especially in intelligence where whistleblower protections lack.
Lie Detectors Chill Whistleblowers
- Polygraph tests intimidate federal workers and chill whistleblowing.
- These tests detect stress, not lies, leading to false positives and impractical enforcement.