A 28-year-old IT specialist at the Defense Intelligence Agency is behind bars after federal agents caught him trying to pass Top Secret military intelligence to what he believed was a foreign government. But the real stunner? He justified his alleged betrayal by claiming he was “disturbed” by President Trump.

Nathan Vilas Laatsch had Top Secret clearance and access to a wide range of classified information. According to court filings, he emailed what he believed was a foreign official—actually an undercover FBI agent—and offered to leak sensitive data because he couldn’t stand the current administration.

“The recent actions of the current administration are extremely disturbing to me,” Laatsch reportedly wrote. “I do not agree or align with the values of this administration and intend to act to support the values that the United States at one time stood for.”

Federal agents say Laatsch transcribed classified material into a notebook, then transferred it to a thumb drive. He dropped the drive at a predetermined location, expecting it to be retrieved by a foreign power. The FBI intercepted the material both times.

The first drop reportedly included documents marked up to the Secret and Top Secret levels. Prosecutors say Laatsch used the opportunity to demonstrate how much he could access and how much damage he could do, seeking to prove himself to what he assumed was a foreign intelligence officer.

In one chilling message, Laatsch explained why he was willing to take the risk: “Despite the risks, the calculus has not changed. I do not see the trajectory of things changing, and do not think it is appropriate or right to do nothing when I am in this position.”

In other words, he saw leaking America’s military secrets as a form of protest against Trump—and thought that was righteous.

Federal investigators say Laatsch wasn’t motivated by financial hardship. He was well-employed and not facing any known personal debt. However, he did seek a reward for his treachery: citizenship in the country he believed he was helping.

He was arrested during his second attempted drop-off. Court records reveal he took extreme measures to avoid detection but was ultimately brought down by the FBI’s counterintelligence sting.

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the incident as a grim reminder that not all threats come from abroad.

“This case underscores the persistent risk of insider threats,” Patel posted on X. “The FBI remains steadfast in protecting our national security and thanks our law enforcement partners for their critical support.”

While Laatsch faces federal charges and likely a lengthy prison sentence, the story adds to growing concern about the ideological rot within America’s intelligence and defense agencies. In recent years, whistleblowers and insiders have pointed to a troubling rise in political activism among career officials—many of whom openly undermine or resist duly elected leaders they dislike.

Laatsch’s case appears to be the most extreme example yet. It raises serious questions about how many other ideologically driven insiders may be compromising national security in quiet protest against Trump’s return to power.

For many Americans, this arrest is proof that the so-called Deep State isn’t just a conspiracy theory—it’s a dangerous and growing reality.