The Trump Administration Wanted Her Expertise, Just Not Her
Summary
Julia Curley, a transgender former CIA officer, discusses her two decades of service, including briefing Vice President Mike Pence and serving in the second Trump administration. She recounts being forced out of the White House after a far-right activist targeted her identity, despite her commitment to nonpartisan duty. Curley warns that the current administration’s assault on expertise and LGBTQ+ individuals is crippling national security and destroying the integrity of the intelligence community.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: San Pellegrino Chow and Target Circle
Introduction: Julia Curley's CIA career and transition
Julia's inspiration to join the intelligence community
Why Julia is speaking out now about her experiences
Transitioning at the CIA and writing under a pseudonym
Concerns during the first Trump administration
The role and routine of the President's Daily Briefing
Briefing Vice President Mike Pence: First impressions
Navigating public persona vs. private professional respect
The election certification and the 'bargain' of service
Sponsors: San Pellegrino Chow and Target Circle
Deciding to stay during the second Trump transition
The mass firing of detailees and Julia's removal
The 'be discreet' order and Laura Loomer's tweet
Reflections on whether she would still be serving
Assault on expertise and the firing of NIC leaders
Consequences: The Iran conflict and lack of planning
Betrayal of public service ideals and advice to LGBT youth
Credits and SimpliSafe sponsorship
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