Hampton Dellinger

Hampton Dellinger, former chief of the Office of Special Counsel, discusses his fierce battle against improper federal worker firings during the Trump administration. He highlights the alarming rise in layoffs affecting key services like Veterans Affairs and Social Security. Dellinger delves into the importance of maintaining political independence and legal protocols in government, while also addressing the unsettling implications of cryptocurrency in politics. His insights underscore the vital need for protecting whistleblower rights and maintaining the rule of law in turbulent times.

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.