Disgruntled CIA employees are now threatening to leak sensitive Deep State secrets if President Donald Trump fires them as part of his cost-cutting initiatives.
The reports have raised serious questions about the loyalty and integrity of certain intelligence operatives and their allies in the media.
A recent CNN piece, titled “How Trump’s Government-Cutting Moves Risk Exposing the CIA’s Secrets,” warned that mass firings at the CIA could create resentful former employees, as officials scramble to mitigate the risk of ex-agents sharing classified information with hostile nations.
A recent CNN article, co-authored by Katie Bo Lillis—who has been linked to a defamation case that exposed CNN’s history of misinformation—leans heavily on anonymous sources to frame a familiar argument.
According to these unnamed officials, former President Donald Trump’s plans to reduce the size of the CIA and other federal agencies could endanger national security by increasing the risk of insider threats.
However, many see this claim as less about protecting the country and more about preserving the entrenched power of the intelligence establishment.
As Beth Brelje of The Federalist observed, CNN’s reporting reads more like a thinly veiled warning to Trump: keep these bureaucrats in place, or face potential leaks that could be damaging to national security.
“Is that a threat from the CIA?” Brelje questioned. “Is CNN suggesting that if Trump cleans house, former intelligence operatives will retaliate by leaking classified information? That seems to be the implication.”
CNN’s Ties to the Intelligence Community Run Deep
This isn’t the first time CNN has been accused of working hand-in-hand with intelligence officials to push a political agenda.
During the now-debunked Russia collusion scandal, the network eagerly amplified false narratives fed by CIA insiders. A similar strategy appears to be in play—this time to shield the intelligence bureaucracy from much-needed oversight.
If CNN’s sources are to be believed, the very individuals who might leak sensitive government information are the ones the CIA should be most concerned about.
As The Federalist pointed out, “Employees unwilling to leave with integrity should not be entrusted with access to classified material.”
CNN’s argument is riddled with contradictions: are these intelligence employees dedicated professionals vital to national security, or potential liabilities who might turn against the country if they’re removed? The media’s inconsistent messaging suggests a deeper motive—preserving access to insider leaks that fuel their political narratives.
“If Trump eliminates these sources, it becomes much harder for media outlets to collaborate with intelligence officials to shape public perception,” Brelje wrote. “For too long, CNN and the Deep State have maintained a disturbingly close relationship.”
The Fight to Drain the Swamp
The claims made in CNN’s report serve as a reminder of the challenges Trump faces in his ongoing battle against the entrenched bureaucracy.
The intelligence community, backed by its media allies, appears willing to use scare tactics and implied threats to resist any efforts at reform.
Ultimately, the true test of loyalty isn’t about job security—it’s about ensuring that those with access to America’s most sensitive information are committed to protecting it, rather than using it as leverage for political gain.
Trump’s push to streamline federal agencies and rein in intelligence overreach is long overdue. If the Deep State’s response is to suggest potential treason, it only underscores the urgency of the mission.
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