Julia Curlee's Experience as a Trans CIA Officer in the Trump Administration

Julia Curlee, a long-time CIA officer, served as Vice President Mike Pence’s briefer for over a year and held a senior position at the National Security Council (NSC) at the start of the second Trump administration. In her recent writings, Curlee sheds light on the significant purge that occurred within the NSC during the first 70 days of Trump's presidency, detailing the institutional damage inflicted on U.S. national security.

Curlee, who identifies as a trans woman, recounts her experiences of being deemed indispensable despite the widespread firings that characterized the early days of the administration. She highlights the complexities of her situation, where her expertise was recognized, yet her identity posed challenges. The moment her trans identity became public marked a turning point in her career, leading to her eventual dismissal.

In her articles published in Lawfare and The Atlantic, Curlee articulates both the professional and personal ramifications of her tenure in the Trump administration. She discusses the broader implications of the NSC's restructuring and the impact on national security, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and recognition of diverse identities within government roles. Curlee currently serves as a public service fellow at Lawfare, where she continues to advocate for the importance of diverse perspectives in national security discussions.