NSA leaker Reality Winner is rebuilding her life -- and looking back at her past

The Whistleblower's Reckoning: Reality Winner's Journey to Redemption It's been four years since Reality Winner, a 26-year-old former Air Force linguist, made headlines by leaking a classified document to The Intercept. The explosive revelation exposed Russia's cyber attacks on the US electoral system in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. But as the world watched, Winner was quietly building a new life – one that would require her to confront the consequences of her actions and redefine what it means to be a whistleblower. In a candid conversation with Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air, Winner reflected on the choices she made, revealing a complex web of motivations and emotions. "I had assumed they would receive it and immediately assume that this was something that was important," she said, her voice laced with regret. "That it answered very important questions that the country was having... That it would be protected." Winner's story is one of both courage and reckoning. As a military linguist, she had access to sensitive information, but also a deep understanding of the system's flaws. Her decision to leak the document was driven by a desire to expose truth, rather than personal gain or politics. "I'm not a partisan," she insists. "I'm just someone who wants to make sure that people know what's going on." But as Winner navigated the treacherous landscape of national security and journalism, she faced intense scrutiny and criticism. Her family was torn apart by her actions; her mother publicly disowned her, while her father struggled to reconcile his love for his daughter with his own sense of patriotism. "It's a very hard thing to do," Winner acknowledges, "to be the one who has to make that decision." The aftermath of the leak saw Winner charged under the Espionage Act, facing up to 10 years in prison. Her trial was marked by controversy, with some arguing she had committed treason, while others hailed her as a hero. Ultimately, Winner pleaded guilty and received a sentence of three years and three months. Today, Winner is rebuilding her life in Texas, where she's working on a new project – one that combines her passion for language and storytelling. "I'm trying to use my skills to help people understand each other," she says, a hint of optimism creeping into her voice. As the world grapples with the ongoing implications of Winner's leak, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities surrounding whistleblowing. It raises questions about the role of journalism in holding power accountable and the consequences for those who dare to speak truth to authority. "I'm not your enemy," Winner tells Gross, her words echoing through the airwaves. In the end, Reality Winner's journey is one of redemption – a testament to the human capacity for growth, forgiveness, and self-discovery. As she looks back on her past, Winner offers a message of hope: "We can learn from our mistakes... We can try to do better." *Based on reporting by Npr.*