Hughes Reveals CIA Elicitation Tactics Used to Extract Classified Information

What was said

"This is a CIA method called elicitation, invented by this guy John Nolan. You can get sensitive information out of people better with statements than questions. The Russians did this to America during the Cold War."

Chase Hughes, who trains U.S. Army Psyops Division, detailed CIA interrogation methods called 'elicitation' designed to extract sensitive information without asking direct questions. Hughes explained three tactics: provocative statements that prompt elaboration, triggering subjects to correct false records, and expressing disbelief to encourage further explanation. He cited Cold War examples where KGB agents extracted submarine specifications from 19-year-old sailors in bars using these techniques, and noted that counterintelligence training warns that the number one tactic remains attractive women targeting lower-ranking personnel.