In a deeply personal essay, Julia Curlee, a former CIA official, recounts her experiences in the Trump administration and reflects on her identity as a transgender woman. Curlee, who served as a senior intelligence officer across four presidential administrations, claims she was forced out of her position following an online threat from far-right commentator Laura Loomer to expose her gender identity.
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Curlee’s essay, titled “The Wrong Kind of American,” sheds light on her time within the intelligence community and the challenges she faced as a transgender individual in a politically charged environment. She was let go just 68 days into Trump’s second term after Loomer threatened to reveal her status on social media, thus precipitating actions from the Trump administration which she had deemed supportive prior to that public revelation.
Throughout her career, Curlee has worked in high-pressure roles, including compiling the Presidential Daily Briefs—a formidable task that entails briefing the president each morning with the latest national security updates. She also served as an aide to former Vice President Mike Pence, a figure whose personal views on LGBTQ+ issues have often been scrutinised. Curlee asserts that Pence was notable for his respectful treatment of her during her tenure, stating, “No one has affirmed my gender identity quite like Mike Pence.”
On her last day working for Pence, she expressed her gratitude through a heartfelt letter, asserting, “I’m a transgender CIA officer, a wife and mother — and I served the Vice President. Anything is possible in America.” Pence’s reportedly positive response implied an acknowledgment of her journey and contributions to national security.
Curlee further elaborates on her time serving during tumultuous political events, including her endorsement of Pence’s actions to validate the 2020 election results, despite the violence associated with the Capitol riots. She claims to have told Pence, “I’ve never been prouder to have worked for you,” showcasing a complex relationship rooted in professionalism and mutual respect, despite differing personal beliefs.
In the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration in 2025, Curlee faced intense pressure from colleagues urging her to leave her role due to anticipated changes in administration policies affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. She recounts a series of executive orders signed by Trump that threatened her rights and the rights of other trans individuals, including bans on bathroom access for transgender personnel and stripping away healthcare benefits relevant to transition.
Despite remaining in her position during this turbulent time, Curlee describes a purge within the National Security Council that led to the dismissal of numerous key members, alongside herself being retained under challenging circumstances. She bears witness to the chaos these dismissals caused, ultimately stepping in to manage the fallout by persuading removed officials to rejoin their posts for the stability of national security operations.
Her dismissal, however, came as a shock following a vacation with her family when she received a telephone call informing her of her removal from the White House. In a startling revelation, she was told that an external threat had necessitated this decision, linking her job security directly to Loomer’s public statements.
Reflecting on this experience, Curlee expresses disappointment in the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within intelligence roles, stating that despite the significant contributions she made to her country, her identity became primarily defined by her exposure rather than her service. “Trump officials had known I was trans from day one, but it only became a concern once it was made public,” she shares, highlighting the inconsistencies in how her gender identity was acknowledged and supported.
Curlee concludes her essay by reassessing her outlook on encouraging others in the LGBTQ+ community to pursue careers in intelligence. Once optimistic about the potential for service in this sector, she now feels unable to endorse a path that includes the scepticism she faced. Yet she remains resolute in reclaiming her identity and voicing her truths openly.
In a follow-up interview, she discusses her commitment to nonpartisan civil service, noting that serving under the Trump administration was a challenge she undertook, reflecting her belief in the importance of intelligence work regardless of differing ideologies. She acknowledges that while Pence’s views may not align with her own, her direct experiences with him were one of professional respect and validation. This duality of her experience underscores the complexities faced by those navigating the interplay of identity and duty in the realm of national security.