Whistleblowers: Why do they risk it all?

From Wall Street to Washington, whistleblowers are speaking truth to power. The most recent high-profile case has sparked an impeachment inquiry into United States President Donald Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. The complaint alleges that Trump pressured Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

The allegation doesn’t come as a shock to author Tom Mueller.

“Unsurprisingly, the excesses of the Trump administration have triggered an unprecedented level of whistle-blowing and leaking,” writes Mueller in his new book “Crisis of Conscience” which traces the rise of whistleblowers.

Mueller spoke with more than 200 people to understand why some people choose to speak out while others remain silent.

We will ask him and two whistleblowers that same question when they join this episode of The Stream. 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Tom Mueller, @tommuellerX
Author, Crisis of Conscience
tommueller.co

Elin Baklid-Kunz
Whistleblower

Thomas Drake, @Thomas_Drake1
Whistleblower

Read more: 
Why are there more whistleblowers than ever? – The Washington Post 
The ‘whistleblower’ probably isn’t – Rolling Stone

What do you think? Record a video comment or leave your thoughts in the comments below.