Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed a massive U.S. government surveillance program in 2013, could see renewed support in the evolving political landscape as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office. Snowden, who has lived in Russia since fleeing the United States after his revelations about the National Security Agency (NSA), remains a polarizing figure. While celebrated by free speech advocates and civil libertarians, he has historically faced sharp criticism from Republican leaders.  

 

However, recent developments suggest a potential shift in his favor within Trump’s incoming administration. Insiders reveal that several of Trump’s key appointees are sympathetic to Snowden’s plight and could advocate for clemency. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, has been a vocal supporter of Snowden in the past. In September 2020, Gabbard co-sponsored a resolution urging the United States to drop all charges against him. A source close to Gabbard confirmed to *The Post* that Snowden’s case remains a priority for her and that she is likely to push for clemency in Trump’s second term. “I certainly think if asked, that is the direction she would push,” the insider shared.  

 

Another potential ally is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s presumptive nominee for secretary of health and human services. Kennedy has publicly expressed his admiration for Snowden, even promising during the Libertarian National Convention in May to pardon him and build a statue in his honor. These statements underscore Kennedy’s alignment with those who view Snowden’s actions as a courageous stand against government overreach.  

 

Snowden’s case also aligns with the views of prominent Trump ally Tucker Carlson, who has been vocal in his support. “Ed Snowden is a whistleblower who exposed the crimes of others, yet he’s the one who’s been punished while the criminals remain in power. It’s hard to think of a more grotesque injustice. Anyone who argues against his pardon is your enemy,” Carlson declared, emphasizing the moral imperative of clemency for Snowden.  

 

In the waning days of Trump’s first term, discussions about pardoning Snowden gained traction. In late 2020, Trump was reportedly “strongly considering” granting him a pardon. However, the effort faced opposition from high-ranking officials, including then-Attorney General Bill Barr and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who argued that Snowden’s actions endangered national security. Neither Barr nor Pompeo is expected to hold significant influence in Trump’s second administration, potentially clearing a path for renewed deliberations.  

 

Snowden himself, through his attorney Ben Wizner, has reiterated the importance of clemency. “This is exactly the kind of case that the pardon power was created for. He broke the law in the public interest, for love of country, and he’s paid a price. He does not belong in exile,” Wizner said.  

 

As Trump assembles his new administration, the possibility of clemency for Snowden could reemerge as a key issue, driven by the influence of those who view the whistleblower’s actions as a service to the American people. Whether this sentiment translates into tangible action remains to be seen.

 

Based on a report by the NYP 2024-12-03

 

 

 

Snowden is a traitor to his country, not surprising he'd be welcomed in the Trump camp.

Good to hear. People who expose the truth and corruption should stick together.

 

Looking forward to the Epstein/Diddy lists. 

3 hours ago, Real Name Hidden said:

Snowden is a traitor to his country

I personally agree, but I'm confused how this squares away with the right to free speech under the Amendment.  But, common sense tells me that he's deeply guilty of what he's been accused of and should get no leniency.  Unlike other Federal Law breakers recently in the News.

3 hours ago, Real Name Hidden said:

Snowden is a traitor to his country, not surprising he'd be welcomed in the Trump camp.

 

If it wasn't for traitors like him, we'd still be fighting in Vietnam.

 

Snowden = Hero for freedom 

 

Of course he’ll find support within Trump’s administration, he’s a Russian.

4 hours ago, Real Name Hidden said:

Snowden is a traitor to his country, not surprising he'd be welcomed in the Trump camp.

And you wonder why nobody trust Americans anymore, or respect Americans anymore than what we see as mutual benefits, and sad to say, most friends of America will jump the ship sooner or later if not something will change soon enough to save your asses

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Good to hear. People who expose the truth and corruption should stick together.

 

Looking forward to the Epstein/Diddy lists. 

My best guess,  coming president is on both of them

Edited December 3, 20241 yr by Hummin

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

My best guess,  coming president is on both of them

 

I realize the recent trouncing of Harris at the election was a bitter pill to swallow.

 

Time heals. 

Snowy seems like a swell guy.

9 minutes ago, Hummin said:

And you wonder why nobody trust Americans anymore, or respect Americans anymore than what we see as mutual benefits, and sad to say, most friends of America will jump the ship sooner or later if not something will change soon enough to save your asses

This attitude is why there will be no more mutual benefit. Benefit is for america only. Youre cut off

They have to take Chelsea Manning too

13 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

This attitude is why there will be no more mutual benefit. Benefit is for america only. Youre cut off

What you do not understand, America needs us more than we need you. You guys have less to offer day by day, and there is other markeds that's more valuable and more stable to profit on. As Trump said, he will be greedy on behalf of Americans, so why shouldnt we be greedy on behalf of our self, and go where they wants us. After all, it is just business 

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

What you do not understand, America needs us more than we need you. You guys have less to offer day by day, and there is other markeds that's more valuable and more stable to profit on. As Trump said, he will be greedy on behalf of Americans, so why shouldnt we be greedy on behalf of our self, and go where they wants us. After all, it is just business 

Your country is at risk of collapse. The US will be fine no matter how much the rest of the world goes to <deleted>

You funny, talking about realism in realtime, 

 

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

You funny, talking about realism in realtime, 

 

You can laugh but the handouts from the US are finished. Lets see how the rest of the world does on its own the next four years. Ill bet money that many other than americans will be struggling!

14 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Delusional at its best, and seriously, who is Kamala? 

 

She's the clown "selected" by the Dems (bypassing the normal Democratic process) to stand as the nominee when Pelosi stabbed Biden in the back after finally admitting he had subnormal cognitive function. 

 

They couldn't let her enter a normal Democratic voting process for nominee because they knew she can't win votes. So they bypassed that and selected her to run against Trump in a normal Democratic voting process. Genius. 😆

 

Last seen making videos about "not letting anyone take that power from you" after one too many glasses of Chardonnay.

19 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

You can laugh but the handouts from the US are finished. Lets see how the rest of the world does on its own the next four years. Ill bet money that many other than americans will be struggling!

Seriously, you think America hand out benefits, without getting anything back? How in your imaginary world do you think America managed to get the biggest economy in the world, when your own resources is limited? 

 

You guys need to get your facts straight

 

 

Usa is for now nr 8 on GDA pr capita, lets see after 10 years how you guys stands. Interssting list by the whay

https://www.worldometers.info/gdp/gdp-per-capita/

Edited December 3, 20241 yr by Hummin

4 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Seriously, you think America hand out benefits, without getting anything back? How in your imaginary world do you think America managed to get the biggest economy in the world, when your own resources is limited? 

 

You guys need to get your facts straight

 

 

Usa is for now nr 8 on GDA pr capita, lets see after 10 years how you guys stands. Interssting list by the whay

https://www.worldometers.info/gdp/gdp-per-capita/

May be #8 on the list, but a much larger and more diverse population than the other seven.

Removed a blind link with formatting issues.

8 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

May be #8 on the list, but a much larger and more diverse population than the other seven.

The whole point is, Usa is on the top of the list as long they play along with their own allies. At once the majority of the Americans beliefs in Trump my way or the highway, and it will be the standard, all the allies, looking for the back door out of the conflicting mutual deals with Usa. 

 

Remember all the Army bases around the world securing mutual interests world around to secure both resources and security, at once Usa pulls, out, why in hell should we risk our necks for your interests solely? We better find other partners. 

 

I find it quite remarkable you guys for one seconds belief Usa gives freebies, just because you guys are so nice

Edited December 3, 20241 yr by Hummin

8 minutes ago, Hummin said:

The whole point is, Usa is on the top of the list as long they play along with their own allies. At once the majority of the Americans beliefs in Trump my way or the highway, and it will be the standard, all the allies, looking for the back door out of the conflicting mutual deals with Usa. 

 

Remember all the Army bases around the world securing mutual interests world around to secure both resources and security, at once Usa pulls, out, why in hell should we risk our necks for your interests solely? We better find other partners. 

 

I find quite remarkable you guys for one seconds belief Usa gives freebies, just because you guys are so nice

The point I was making is comparing GDP is not necessarily telling the whole story.  Government turmoil in Germany and now France can take their toll on their respective economies.  China is another example with some of the statistics coming out of the country most likely doctored and not very accurate.  This is where our intelligence apparatus is valuable in any analysis or comparison.

Edited December 3, 20241 yr by Hawaiian

13 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

The point I was making is comparing GDP is not necessarily telling the whole story.  Government turmoil in Germany and now France can take their toll on their respective economies.  China is another example with some of the statistics coming out of the country most likely doctored and not very accurate.  This is where our intelligence apparatus is valuable in any analysis or comparison.

There is two issues with American economics, it is the future resources, and it is enough cheap labour to accomplish your future goals, and Trump is on his way to undermine both of the most important criterias. 3. he undermine media, 4.  he undermine science which is great factors for succeding your own population to pull in the same direction. Trump have created enimies both internal and external. I would say more enemies than healthy.  

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

There is two issues with American economics, it is the future resources, and it is enough cheap labour to accomplish your future goals, and Trump is on his way to undermine both of the most important criterias. 3. he undermine media, 4.  he undermine science which is great factors for succeding your own population to pull in the same direction. Trump have created enimies both internal and external. I would say more enemies than healthy.  

Wait until trump announces the US is buying bitcoin. The rest of the world will follow. Media and leftist science are corrupted, those will never recover

30 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

Wait until trump announces the US is buying bitcoin. The rest of the world will follow. Media and leftist science are corrupted, those will never recover

Okay, I hold my breath

31 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

Wait until trump announces the US is buying bitcoin. The rest of the world will follow. Media and leftist science are corrupted, those will never recover

Just tell me who created bitcoin, and why? 

3 hours ago, impulse said:

If it wasn't for traitors like him, we'd still be fighting in Vietnam.

 

Snowden is complicit in the  violent deaths of  US operatives. His leaks identified people who were risking their lives so that people like Snowden could enjoy the benefits of freedom.

Traitors like him were not the reason the USA left Vietnam with its tail between its legs. It was a realization that the South Vietnamese could not be helped combined with a moral rot at home and a collapse of discipline in the military.

 

1 hour ago, mdr224 said:

You can laugh but the handouts from the US are finished. Lets see how the rest of the world does on its own the next four years. Ill bet money that many other than americans will be struggling!

 

The USA is dependent upon the rest of the world for its wealth. The USA needs to export to foreign markets. Alienate everyone, and slap tariffs on everything and consumers will go elsewhere and the vital resources the USA needs will not be available. Australian, Canadian and Argentinian wheat is  as good as, if not better than US wheat. Their cattle isn't fattened on low quality corn in feedlots and jacked up with antibiotics and other chemicals. Americans love to complain about not being able to dump cheap dairy into Canada, but they just don't get it that Canadian consumers don't want the US  dairy cattle products that come from drugged up herds.  The US dairy industry relies on Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST, also known as rBGH),  a synthetic version of somatotropin.  This commercially-produced artificial hormone is not used in Canada and  some EU nations. RFK Jr can clean up the US first.

US multinationals don't like the EU consumer privacy protection laws and the regulations on market manipulation. They will try and push the EU and others to throw  away those protections. Maybe the  crappy quality US airlines to do away with  EU consumer protection so that everyone gets the Spirit/Frontier experience.  That's the world of Snowden.

Oh please! They know that the Russians have been putting Snowden to work and now they want him back so he can snitch on the Russians! That’s literally it! 

I understand that Snowden did not sell information to enemies but revealed that the government was breaking laws to spy on ordinary people. Following his revelations, people knew for the first time how their governments were spying on them, hacking the messages of allies and breaking the law. The leaks were just embarrassing for spies.

15 Top NSA Spy Secrets Revealed by Edward Snowden