Jack Teixeira Defends Actions in Exclusive Prison Interview

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Jack Teixeira, a former Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, is serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison for leaking classified military documents. In an exclusive interview from prison, the 23-year-old claimed he acted out of patriotism, not betrayal, and he would leak the information again if given the chance.

Teixeira spoke to ABC News about his conviction, describing his case as politicized and asking former President Donald Trump for a pardon. He argued that he intended to inform the American public about issues they were being misled on, saying, “I love my nation. I’m a patriot.” He maintained that his actions were meant to educate, not harm.

He engaged with classified documents during his service, accessing sensitive information about troop movements in Ukraine and Chinese spy operations, which he shared on Discord. Prosecutors accused him of exploiting his top-secret clearance and causing significant damage to U.S. national security.

The FBI claimed that Teixeira’s actions endangered the safety of U.S. forces and allies. He ultimately pleaded guilty to six counts of willfully retaining and transmitting national defense information, avoiding additional charges under the Espionage Act.

At his sentencing, U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy stated that Teixeira had “abused his position of trust”. Teixeira, however, argued that he had simply exposed truths that needed to be revealed to the public. He insisted that the information he shared was not harmful and claimed no one was endangered.

As he navigates his incarceration, Teixeira’s mother, Dawn Dufault, echoed her son’s sentiments, arguing that his prosecution was unjust and sensationalized. She described a surprising moment when she first learned of his arrest, stating that reporters arrived at her home before she had any indication of the allegations.

Dufault believes her son’s actions stemmed from a compulsion to reveal the truth, and she highlighted his recent autism diagnosis as a potential factor in his behavior. She called on Trump to reconsider her son’s case and grant him a pardon, emphasizing that Teixeira did not have malicious intent.

Teixeira’s legal team has filed a pardon application, indicating that they are willing to pursue any means necessary to secure his release. He expressed his belief that political motivations played a role in the harshness of his sentence, suggesting that others in similar situations did not face such severe consequences.

The case continues to ignite discussions around national security and the responsibilities of individuals with access to classified information.