FAS

Former CIA Polygrapher Files Lawsuit Against Agency

04.05.07 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

A former polygrapher for the Central Intelligence Agency has filed a lawsuit (pdf) alleging that the Agency unlawfully retaliated against him for publishing a critical account of CIA polygraph programs.

John Sullivan, author of the forthcoming book “Gatekeeper: Memoirs of a CIA Polygraph Examiner,” argued that his security clearance was improperly revoked in the course of a lengthy pre-publication review dispute, though it was ultimately restored.

“The CIA’s treatment of John Sullivan, a former employee who dared speak out, is indicative of a pattern and practice by the CIA of unlawful and disgraceful retaliation through the abuse of the security clearance process,” said Mark S. Zaid, the attorney who is representing Mr. Sullivan.

The allegations were described in an April 5 press release.

The CIA response to the lawsuit will be posted when it is filed.

publications
See all publications
Emerging Technology
Blog
International Collaboration to Strengthen Domestic Critical Minerals Efforts

As Congress considers broader packages to advance critical minerals production and supply chain resilience, science diplomacy vehicles must be part of that conversation, not as an afterthought, but as an intentional and foundational pillar of any strategy.

07.24.26 | 5 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
Policy Statement
Endorsement of the Strategic Technology and Resilient Alliances Act

“Structured partnerships with our allies on critical minerals innovation can ensure that the best science and the best talent are working together towards shared security and economic prosperity.”

07.24.26 | 1 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
Policy Statement
Pass S.3306/H.R.2985 – Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act

This is a bipartisan, commonsense measure to reauthorize the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) before it expires in September 2026.

07.23.26 | 1 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
New Jersey, Virginia Can Lead the Nation By Building ‘AI Resilience Cohorts’ to Develop Early-Career, State Talent Pipelines

Many states are introducing AI policies and task forces, but lack the “AI-native” personnel to build and maintain initiatives. To address this in the short term, states should establish AI Resilience Cohorts to embed early-career technologists in key offices to support state AI initiatives. Right now, Virginia and New Jersey have the opportunity to take […]

07.22.26 | 7 min read
read more