Sign in

John Sipher

@johnsipher.bsky.social
75K followers 863 following 7.9K posts

Former CIA clandestine service. Spycraft Entertainment, Atlantic Council, NAFO. Host of Mission implausible podcast. Friend of dogs everywhere. Jimothy welcome here!

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by John Sipher
Sukie 💙🇺🇸🇺🇦🌊 @froggybottompond.bsky.social · 3h
''I'd like to go ahead and solve it. The Atlanta Hawks.''
9048401110
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 1h
In a fight you are meant to hit back.
16124
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 15h
“The next day, FBI staff received an email reminding them that October is cybersecurity awareness month.” open.substack.com/pub/spytalk/...
open.substack.com
Kash Patel Has Gotta Go
The ShinyHunters cybertheft of FBI personnel files should be the last straw
1013537
Reposted by John Sipher
Clara Jeffery @clarajeffery.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In light of Eric Schmitt beclowning himself trying to skewer Jack Smith, this piece from @davidcorn.bsky.social provides useful context www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
motherjones.com
Is this the most dangerous man in the US Senate?
Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri is pushing a tribalistic ideology suggesting only descendants of white Christian pioneers are true Americans.
628895
Reposted by John Sipher
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 29/09/2026
🤡 Schmitt beclowns himself 🤡 Schmitt concocted an elaborate conspiracy theory that Smith traveled to Atl for a Hawks game and to collude with Fani Willis, & flashed his "evidence" before accusing Smith of perjury. There's just one problem -- his facts were totally wrong. Here's the whole sequence:
2598206625607
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
omg. Schmitt is such a scumbag! And an incompetent one too.
2216126
Reposted by John Sipher
Karen (Harris/Walz Alaskan Democrat) @danceswithseagulls.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Here is a gift link for those who need it. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/w...
nytimes.com
A Russian Software Company Duped the Secret Service, U.S. Prosecutors Say (Gift Article)
Executives from a Russian-owned company are accused of misrepresentation in order to secure U.S. government contracts.
22915
Reposted by John Sipher
Claudia Montague Wheatley @claudiamw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Paging @johnsipher.bsky.social. I know you were CIA, but what do you think of this? Also, great interview with Rebecca Saltzburg, but as an old reporter I think you and Jerry buried the lead, which is when she started talking about the really scary shit: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
2357
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
How embarrassing 😳
3132599
Reposted by John Sipher
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
They're arguing that the Trump name is so valuable it alone will pull the Kennedy Center back to financial success and (gestures broadly) what the fuck are you talking about?
41729140
Reposted by John Sipher
Alex Blackwell @alexblackwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
I can’t wait to read David McCloskey’s next spy novel later this year. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1324...
3131
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“The uncomfortable truth is that we have done far too little to force the Kremlin to abandon these objectives or to make clear that pursuing them would come at an unbearably high price.” news.err.ee/1610149216/m...
news.err.ee
Marko Mihkelson: Defeatism is not deterrence
The snowball of speculation about an imminent Russian attack on Europe is gathering pace. Isolated facts are being mixed with wishful thinking, worst-case scenarios and, at times, little more than the...
1114150
Reposted by John Sipher
Hoodlum 🇺🇸 @nothoodlum.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
They warned us Mamdani would impose Sharia law. Instead, he unleashed the real threat: line dancing in Bryant Park.
1372302976626
Reposted by John Sipher
The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 26/09/2026
Donald Trump Jr. thanked a Russian businessman for “an extraordinarily generous” wedding gift—but current and former intelligence officials see an effort by the Kremlin to influence people in the president’s orbit, @shaneharris.bsky.social reports. theatln.tc/jOBKRCFF
1413635
Reposted by John Sipher
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 26/09/2026
Amazing detail in this @wsj article about Kimberly Guilfoyle, US ambassador to Greece: she told a Greek minister, in a conversation about the collapse of the Romanian government,“We can do that to any country we want. We can do that here." www.wsj.com/articles/kim...
wsj.com
The Mystery Man Shadowing Kimberly Guilfoyle as She Pushes Deals Across Europe
Christos Marafatsos works as an energy lobbyist while also closely advising the U.S. ambassador to Greece.
33136731878
Reposted by John Sipher
juliacurlee.bsky.social @juliacurlee.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“Trump started this war … and we are paying the price.” That’s the diagnosis of Gulf official, and as the war drags on the bill keeps rising. Today in Foreign Policy, my friend Shawn Howard breaks down the region’s response to Washington’s failure to end the war or provide security.
foreignpolicy.com
Gulf States Are Hedging and Suffering
Neither appealing to Washington nor diversifying security partners nor back-channeling with Tehran is insulating the region from the consequences of war.
25418
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Netanyahu is a disaster www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/w...
nytimes.com
Netanyahu Said to Have Been Warned by Emirati Leader About Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7
The warning from the leader of the United Arab Emirates, which lacked specific details about the nature of an attack, never reached the chiefs of Israel’s security establishment, Israeli officials sai...
2018263
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Admittedly, how hard can that be? www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/w...
nytimes.com
A Russian Software Company Duped the Secret Service, U.S. Prosecutors Say
1221569
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“Diesel cost an average of $6.51 a gallon on Thursday, up from $3.69 a year ago.” All because of one stupid man. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/b...
nytimes.com
Why a U.S. Diesel Export Ban May Not Lower Prices
President Trump has said he is considering restricting overseas sales of the fuel to bring down domestic prices, but experts say the policy will have many unintended effects.
1715846
Reposted by John Sipher
Victor Ray @victorerikray.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Send this to every university President in the country.
361960440
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“In the epic contest between democracy and autocracy, Trump…punishes news outlets for being too “negative” about him while embracing Xi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, two of the world’s leading authoritarians whose governments brutally suppress free speech.” www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/u...
nytimes.com
In Trump’s White House, China’s Dictator Is Welcome. American Media, Less So.
The showdown over President Trump’s partial media ban played out as he welcomed President Xi Jinping, whose government is ranked among the most repressive in the world.
410435
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“The president of the United States barred American reporters because he labeled them a threat to national security, while welcoming Chinese reporters who answer to the communist dictatorship in Beijing.” www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/u...
nytimes.com
In Trump’s White House, China’s Dictator Is Welcome. American Media, Less So.
The showdown over President Trump’s partial media ban played out as he welcomed President Xi Jinping, whose government is ranked among the most repressive in the world.
711244
Reposted by John Sipher
The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · 26/09/2026
Who is the mysterious lobbyist who is advising the U.S. ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle?
on.wsj.com
The Mystery Man Shadowing Kimberly Guilfoyle as She Pushes Deals Across Europe
Christos Marafatsos works as an energy lobbyist while also closely advising the U.S. ambassador to Greece.
53114
Reposted by John Sipher
evacide @evacide.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Listen, I just think it's weird that the same people who are saying they're worried that AI is going to wipe out humanity are also eager for military contracts that will give AI control of weapons.
431415333
Reposted by John Sipher
Scott Horton @robertscotthorton.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Trump's comments always age so well.
24250781780
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Bad look for a top Division I athlete.
1612216
Reposted by John Sipher
darth™️ @darthbluesky.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
why are the midterms any part of this decision might be a question
602054340
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Is this also related to bestiality, or am I mixing up my national security stories?
1711934
Reposted by John Sipher
Tlacatecolote (Owl-Man) @arrioti.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Nick Anderson: Classified Trump is forgetting who the real national security threat is. tinyview.com/nick-anderso...
03713
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
47721
Reposted by John Sipher
Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Of course. You wouldn’t want the FBI to uncover any national security threats in your national security team, after all.
304106842041
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Good plan! Then arrest him. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Invites Putin to Attend Group of 20 Summit in Miami
Many leaders are unlikely to welcome the Russian leader’s presence at the event because of his country’s war against Ukraine.
1212530
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This is not hard. Dictators only care about starting in power. Where can you really hurt Putin ( it’s not kicking out diplomats)? Ukraine. Every “hybrid” attack should equal 100 ballistic or cruise missiles sent to Ukraine. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/w...
nytimes.com
Europe Warns of Russia’s Hybrid Attacks but Struggles to Counter Them
If President Vladimir V. Putin was hoping to get Europeans’ attention, he’s succeeded with a series of close-call incursions. The question now is what they will do about it.
513441
Reposted by John Sipher
Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Latest piece. It’s bad enough that Chinese leadership mocks the US openly in the White House, however the real problem is that they did this once before and then went on to help Iran rebuild its military. phillipspobrien.substack.com/p/its-not-th...
phillipspobrien.substack.com
It’s Not That Xi Insults Trump Once...
It’s that the Chinese are actively destroying the US global position while the US president bows and scrapes
1221571
Reposted by John Sipher
🗽LOLGOP🗽 @lolgop.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If that's all you've got, give me Jensen Huang's thigh, I guess.
68317
Reposted by John Sipher
Fotos by Fuzzy @fotosbyfuzzzy.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Michael de Adder is great at portraying what His Orangeness does.
19728
Reposted by John Sipher
The Mighty Jungle💙💛 @ocanannain.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Michael de Adder
0439
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
nypost.com/2026/09/23/u...
nypost.com
Sinister network of Russian agents busted in Cold War-style plot to infiltrate the US Secret Service using American tech CEO
The alleged deception could have given Russian agents a foothold inside a company providing technology to government customers.
1311855
Reposted by John Sipher
The Onion @theonion.com · 24/09/2026
Dog Can’t Believe Guy She Hooked Up With 10 Years Ago Now Head Of FBI theonion.com/dog-cant-believe-guy-s…
Dog Can’t Believe Guy She Hooked Up With 10 Years Ago Now Head Of FBI
315174753301
Reposted by John Sipher
The Onion @theonion.com · 24/09/2026
Xi Jinping Impressed With How Much Trump’s English Has Improved Since Last Visit theonion.com/xi-jinping-impressed-w…
Xi Jinping Impressed With How Much Trump’s English Has Improved Since Last Visit
503941636
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“A Defense Department inspector general report last week cited the loss of nearly 60 aircraft and other equipment, resulting in around $3.7 billion going up in smoke. Hundreds of buildings were damaged.” www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Iran Exposed How Vulnerable Our Bases Are
The Pentagon must revamp how it positions its troops and equipment amid the proliferation of low-cost drones and precision missiles.
1214966
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It’s all just corruption, grifting, crime and lack of ethics and seriousness. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/u...
nytimes.com
RFK Jr. Drew $4 Million in Book Advances From Publisher Who Also Monetized MAHA
A new disclosure also shows $210,000 in consulting fees paid to Cheryl Hines, the health secretary’s wife, by one of several MAHA-affiliated groups capitalizing from his agenda.
819070
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Could anything be more dumb and self-defeating? This is the world acknowledging that the U.S. President is an idiot. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Once Vowed to ‘Own’ Greenland. He Settled for Something Much Less.
President Trump signed a Greenland security deal that falls well short of his demands to turn the island into a U.S. territory.
89727
Reposted by John Sipher
Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Trump has frequently insisted that other countries were “laughing” at the US. But he’s done something worse: Turn the US into a dispensable ally, a patsy for China, a punchline for Canada, a defeated power hobbled by the Middle East, and a human rights miscreant.
423348
Reposted by John Sipher
Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It will take years to restock our depleted munitions, but recovering our international stature and reputation and rebuilding frayed alliances may take decades. As a result, the world will be less stable, less free, and less prosperous.
1226665
John Sipher @johnsipher.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We could have predicted that bestiality groups would be triggered and respond. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/u...
nytimes.com
Hackers Say They Stole Thousands of Sensitive F.B.I. Personnel Records
The compromise, if confirmed, would be the latest in a string of cybersecurity failures at the F.B.I., which said it was investigating the matter.
46813
Reposted by John Sipher
James Fallows @jfallows.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I thought this *had* to be fake. But you can see the [insert polite word for "moron"] Tuberville ACTUALLY SAYING this, in Congressional Record: www.govinfo.gov/link/crec/la... This guy is running against Doug Jones for governor. God save Alabama. fallows.substack.com/p/running-as...
66496108
Reposted by John Sipher
Joni Askola @joniaskola.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"I have a hunch that if you show weakness and give Russia a few more regions, they will stop the war they started short of reaching their strategic goals and leave you alone in the future." What a pathetic, naive take
1515222
Reposted by John Sipher
Matthew Gertz @mattgertz.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Sounds really bad but the upside is we might find out who needed the beastiality waiver.
592051362
Reposted by John Sipher
Janne M. Korhonen @jmkorhonen.fi · 23/09/2026
Say what you will about this Putin fella, but he sure is a real pro at killing Russians
25911