AP
Deep state whistleblower Edward Snowden may be getting a new lease on life.
The famous fugitive, who has been living in Russia since 2013 after leaking classified National Security Agency documents showing the US was engaged in a massive surveillance program, has been a cause célèbre among left-wing and free speech activists, but has received a chillier reception from Republicans.
But Snowden has some powerful allies in President-elect Trump’s cabinet, insiders told The Post.
Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, co-sponsored a resolution in September 2020 calling on the United States to drop all charges against Snowden.
A person close to Gabbard told The Post clemency for Snowden issue remained important to her and that she would likely push for that in Trump’s second term.
“I certainly think if asked that that is the direction she would push,” the insider said.
Gabbard co-sponsored the bill with Florida GOP congressman Matt Gaetz, who Trump nominated to be attorney general Though Gaetz was forced to withdraw, he is still expected to retain influence in Trump world.
“Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” Trump said in a Truth Social post after Gaetz withdrew.
Another apparent Snowden ally is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the presumptive health and human service secretary, who told the Libertarian National Convention in May that he was going to “pardon Edward Snowden.” A month before he promised to build a statue to Snowden.
Reps for Kennedy did not respond to request for comment from The Post.
Vice President Elect J.D. Vance has not taken any public positions on Snowden, but people close to him said they expected him to be sympathetic to the whistleblower’s situation.
“Course correcting the deep state and intelligence community that has a lack of safeguards and oversights and transparency is something he would want,” a person close to Vance said.
Trump was almost there on the issue in the closing days of his first term. In late 2020, the president was “strongly considering” a pardon for Snowden. The issue faced blowback from Trump’s top lieutenants including then-Attorney General Bill Barr and then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who believed Snowden’s action were criminal and harmed national security. Neither is expected to return to roles of influence in Trump’s second term.
“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,” said Tucker Carlson, a close ally of President Trump.
Team Trump did not respond to request for comment from The Post.
Snowden through his attorney, Ben Wizner said: “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.”