The Rest Is Classified - Episode 66: The Great Betrayal: An American Traitor (Ep 1)

Release Date: July 20, 2025
Hosts: David McCloskey & Gordon Corera
Description: This episode delves into the life of Edward Lee Howard, the only CIA officer to defect to Russia. Through detailed discussions, the hosts explore Howard's background, his rise within the CIA, and the events that led to his ultimate betrayal.

Introduction

In this gripping first part of a multi-episode series, hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera unravel the complex story of Edward Lee Howard—a man whose personal struggles and questionable decisions paved the way for one of the most significant betrayals in intelligence history.

Edward Lee Howard: The Only CIA Defector

[02:23] Edward Lee Howard: "He is the only CIA officer ever to defect to Russia."

Gordon Corera introduces Edward Lee Howard, highlighting his unique position as the sole CIA officer to defect, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of his motivations and actions.

Early Life and Family Background

[08:46] David McCloskey: "He's born in New Mexico on October 27th of 1951. And I think there are four, Gordon, four important things about the young Eddie Lee Howard."

Howard's childhood was marked by constant relocations due to his father's career as an Air Force sergeant. This rootlessness contributed to a turbulent family environment, with hints of abuse that may have influenced his later behavior.

[09:53] David McCloskey: "But those kind of daddy issues are common, aren't they, among people who decide to commit treason?"

While not all individuals with unstable childhoods become traitors, Howard's early experiences laid a foundation for his complex personality and future decisions.

Education and Activism

[10:23] David McCloskey: "He attends the University of Texas, graduating in the top 10% of his class in May of 1972."

During his time at the University of Texas, Howard became involved in the counterculture movement, expressing a healthy distrust of the military-industrial complex and participating in Vietnam War protests. This period of activism showcases his rebellious nature and growing disillusionment with established institutions.

Peace Corps Experience and Substance Abuse

[12:22] David McCloskey: "He joins the Peace Corps and is stationed in Colombia for two years."

Howard's stint with the Peace Corps in Colombia introduced him to a lifestyle rife with substance abuse. His time was characterized by heavy cocaine use and a lifestyle that starkly contrasts with the disciplined image of a CIA operative.

[14:05] Edward Lee Howard: "And Alfonso, who's a Colombian lawyer in his late 60s, a Marxist who basically supplies him with cocaine."

This environment not only exposed Howard to drugs but also fostered relationships that would later influence his actions and decisions.

Joining the CIA: Unconventional Recruitment

[12:46] David McCloskey: "In the summer of 1980, he applies to the CIA."

Despite his unconventional background—marked by activism and substance abuse—Howard's rather plain appearance and fresh perspective made him an interesting candidate for the CIA, especially during a period when the agency was seeking younger, less established operatives amid a talent crisis.

[17:04] Edward Lee Howard: "Now, let's start with Edward Lee Howard."

The recruitment process, however, seemed unorthodox, raising questions about the CIA's vetting procedures during that era.

Training and Assignment to Moscow

[29:07] David McCloskey: "Howard is picked initially for a desk job working on East Germany, but then he is slotted to go to Moscow."

Howard underwent intensive training at "The Farm," the CIA's clandestine training facility. Here, he received comprehensive instruction in tradecraft, including agent handling, surveillance detection, and paramilitary skills—all crucial for his upcoming role in Moscow.

[33:25] David McCloskey: "They want to send some newer, fresher people to Moscow. The idea here being the Russians are much less likely to know or to suspect that they are CIA officers."

His assignment to Moscow was part of a strategic move by the CIA to embed less seasoned officers in sensitive positions, banking on their clean backgrounds to avoid detection by the KGB.

Polygraphs and Dismissal from CIA

[20:33] David McCloskey: "He goes and he's basically sitting with agency psychologists."

Before his deployment, Howard underwent a stringent polygraph examination. Contrary to standard practice, Howard was subjected to four polygraph sessions within a short period due to inconsistencies and revelations about his drug and alcohol use.

[27:04] Edward Lee Howard: "He admits to stealing $40 from a woman's purse on an airplane."

These admissions during the polygraphs exposed Howard's questionable judgment and led to a complete loss of trust from the CIA. His candidness about petty thefts and cheating during training exercises signaled deeper personal issues, ultimately resulting in his immediate dismissal.

[43:00] David McCloskey: "Howard is fired. He's dismissed immediately."

The abrupt termination not only ended his CIA career but also ignited a growing resentment towards the agency—a sentiment that would later fuel his defection to Russia.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with Howard's termination from the CIA, highlighting the fragility of trust within intelligence agencies and setting the stage for his subsequent actions.

[47:01] David McCloskey: "We'll see how that hatred of the CIA, which has come from this experience, compels him to take the fateful step, really of contacting who else? The Russians."

Listeners are left anticipating the next installment, where the transformation from disgruntled ex-officer to traitor will be explored in detail.

Notable Quotes

• [02:23] Edward Lee Howard: "He is the only CIA officer ever to defect to Russia."
• [09:53] David McCloskey: "But those kind of daddy issues are common, aren't they, among people who decide to commit treason?"
• [17:04] Edward Lee Howard: "Now, let's start with Edward Lee Howard."
• [27:04] Edward Lee Howard: "He admits to stealing $40 from a woman's purse on an airplane."
• [43:00] David McCloskey: "Howard is fired. He's dismissed immediately."
• [47:01] David McCloskey: "We'll see how that hatred of the CIA, which has come from this experience, compels him to take the fateful step, really of contacting who else? The Russians."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a compelling look into the life of Edward Lee Howard, painting a portrait of a man whose personal demons and professional setbacks culminated in a betrayal that shook the intelligence community. By examining his early life, education, and tumultuous career, David McCloskey and Gordon Corera provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of what drives an individual to commit treason.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where the full extent of Howard's defection and its ramifications will be unveiled.