John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer convicted of leaking classified information, is now a TikTok sensation, leveraging unexpected viral fame in a final push for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. The 61-year-old, who served prison time for revealing details of the agency’s controversial torture program, finds himself unexpectedly at the center of Gen Z internet culture, driven by clips from podcasts that are racking up tens of millions of views.
From Classified Leaks to Meme Icon
Kiriakou’s campaign for clemency began long before TikTok. He served as a CIA analyst and counterterrorism officer from 1990 to 2004, including leading the 2002 capture of Abu Zubaydah, who was later subjected to waterboarding under CIA interrogation. His eventual prosecution stemmed from disclosing the identity of a covert operative to journalists, leading to a guilty plea and imprisonment. Though released in 2015, Kiriakou’s primary goal remains regaining his lost pension – an estimated $700,000.
This matters because it highlights the stark reality that even after serving time, whistleblowers often face ongoing financial repercussions. The loss of a pension is not merely monetary; it represents years of service stripped away, forcing Kiriakou into a desperate pursuit of political favor.
The Viral Strategy: Podcasting and Gen Z Appeal
Kiriakou’s strategy is simple: flood the internet with his story, hoping Trump will notice. He has appeared on podcasts hosted by Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, and Steven Bartlett, amassing millions of views. Clips, often edited into “brainrot”-style content on TikTok and Instagram Reels, are being shared widely. One account, @_bamboclat, is credited with popularizing these edits, reaching over 50 million views.
The virality has attracted attention from the entertainment industry. Kiriakou has signed with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and is earning money through Cameo videos, where he fulfills fan requests for roughly $150 each.
This shift demonstrates how traditional political lobbying is evolving. Instead of relying solely on backroom deals, Kiriakou is exploiting the algorithm to reach his target audience directly – even if it means embracing internet meme culture.
Trump’s Clemency Market and Past Attempts
Kiriakou’s pursuit isn’t new. He previously attempted to navigate Trump’s informal clemency market, paying former Trump advisor Karen Giorno $50,000 in 2018 with a promise of $50,000 more if she secured a pardon. He alleges Rudy Giuliani even demanded $2 million for his influence.
The fact that clemency was seemingly treated as a commodity under the previous administration raises serious ethical questions. This perception further fuels Kiriakou’s desperation, as he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of Trump’s decision-making.
Uncertain Outlook
Despite the viral attention, Kiriakou’s chances remain uncertain. Trump has granted pardons to over 1,600 January 6 rioters, but struggles with state-level cases like Tina Peters, a former election clerk imprisoned for election interference.
Kiriakou claims a senior government official told him a pardon could come “in six hours… or never.” His fate hinges on the whims of a former president known for unpredictable behavior.
Ultimately, Kiriakou’s story is a cautionary tale of a man desperate to reclaim what he believes was unjustly taken. His viral fame is a gamble, but it may be his last chance at securing the pardon he craves.
