Society

Andrew Bustamante says he plans to leave US and seek anonymity

Everyday Spy · Ex-CIA Spy: Why America Already LOST. Europe Decides If Democracy Survives · July 30, 2026

Everyday Spy

Ex-CIA Spy: Why America Already LOST. Europe Decides If Democracy Survives

"We have plans to immigrate and leave the United States. We've talked about that and other folks know that that's coming. My plan is to is to build a life for them someplace where we can enjoy some anonymity again."

Former CIA officer and media personality Andrew Bustamante says he and his family plan to immigrate out of the United States, framing it as a decision about his children’s upbringing and a desire for renewed anonymity. He says being recognised while travelling in English-speaking countries is pushing him towards “more isolation and more distance from the American public,” while remaining active in media more selectively.

About this episode

In this short episode, former CIA officer Andrew Bustamante discusses what he sees as a faster “tempo” of modern conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that limited wars now draw sustained international backing and expand politically as they drag on. He characterises recent developments in Syria as a “victory for Turkey”, and points to the US engaging with Syria’s current leader, whom he describes as a former extremist, as evidence of Turkey’s continuing diplomatic weight.

Bustamante says his main focus is Europe, describing it as a cluster of independent states that must co-operate for security and prosperity yet remain divided. He argues institutions such as NATO, the UN and international justice mechanisms are under strain, and cites ICC arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu as examples of international law being, in his view, selectively disregarded.

The conversation then turns to domestic politics and social models. Bustamante criticises what he calls “celebrity politics” in the United States and predicts deeper polarisation, while also portraying parts of Europe as economically stagnant and over-taxed. He contrasts that with Dubai’s “hustling” culture, suggesting societies may be forced to choose between prioritising individual breakout success and egalitarian outcomes.

Bustamante says he and his family plan to leave the US, framing the move as a way to raise his children as “global citizens” and to regain anonymity. He also briefly promotes a CIA-style online quiz and, at the end, his book.

Key takeaways

Bustamante says the pace of conflict has accelerated as limited wars receive sustained outside support.
He describes Turkey as a major beneficiary of political change in Syria and says US engagement with Syria’s new leader reflects Ankara’s influence.
He argues Europe’s ability to co-operate will shape whether democracy remains viable in the future.
He claims international law is being selectively applied, citing ICC warrants for Putin and Netanyahu and their continued travel to UN member states.
He says the US has fallen into “celebrity politics” and predicts further polarisation.
Bustamante says he plans to immigrate out of the US to raise his children abroad and regain anonymity.