Thomas A. Drake is a former senior executive at the National Security Agency, decorated U.S. Air Force and Navy veteran, and internationally recognized whistleblower. At the NSA, Drake raised concerns about waste, mismanagement, and surveillance practices connected to the agency’s Trailblazer program, which he believed was costly, ineffective, and harmful to civil liberties. 

After using internal reporting channels, Drake became the subject of a major federal leak investigation and was indicted under the Espionage Act. The government ultimately dropped all 10 original charges, and Drake pleaded to a misdemeanor count. Since then, he has become a prominent advocate for privacy, government accountability, and whistleblower protections. His courage has been recognized with honors including the Ridenhour Prize for Truth-Telling, the Sam Adams Award, and the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award.