Judging Freedom Phil Giraldi : Is Trump Suddenly Christian?
Nov 19, 2025
Phil Giraldi, a former CIA operations officer and foreign policy commentator, dives into hot-button issues surrounding U.S. foreign policy. He discusses Trump's risky publicizing of CIA operations and the implications for covert agents. Giraldi critiques Trump's selective defense of Christians in Nigeria while ignoring wider abuses. He also tackles the feasibility of U.S. military intervention in Nigeria and the coordination between CIA and military. The conversation wraps up with comments on the impact of media rhetoric and the suppression of free speech.
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Publicizing Covert Ops Harms Field Officers
- Phil Giraldi says publicizing covert operations demoralizes CIA field officers and betrays their safety.
- He argues Trump is ignorant of covert norms and surrounded by inexperienced advisers.
Bluster As Foreign Policy Tool
- Giraldi suggests Trump's boasts aim to pressure foreign leaders by threatening visible U.S. involvement.
- He frames this behavior as unpresidential and counterproductive to negotiation.
Using Forged Passports As Cover
- Giraldi recounts using forged Irish and Swiss passports as common operational covers in Europe.
- He notes Irish names were chosen to be so common they produced thousands of hits.