One morning, John Kiriakou’s niece called to inform him that he was trending on TikTok. The 61-year-old ex-CIA officer had no idea what she meant as he doesn't use the platform himself. However, clips from a podcast he recorded discussing his time at the CIA and whistleblowing have gone viral.

Kiriakou has been campaigning for a presidential pardon since 2013 to reclaim his $700,000 pension, which was taken away due to his conviction for disclosing classified information. He’s tried navigating President Trump's clemency market but with no success. His recent appearance on popular podcasts like Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan has helped him gain a new audience.

Now, Kiriakou is making more than 700 Cameo videos for fans, each priced at $150. The internet’s fascination with his tales of intelligence gathering abroad and CIA programs like MKUltra have made him a cultural phenomenon. Whether this newfound fame will finally lead to the pardon he seeks remains to be seen.

The viral clips highlight how social media can offer unexpected opportunities, even for those seeking justice after decades in prison. Kiriakou’s journey reflects on the evolving nature of public opinion and access to influential voices in today's digital age.