When the U.S. Spied on Its Own Citizens: Operation CHAOS

Before we dive in, don’t forget — you can access all our shows, bonus content, and exclusive deep-dive episodes on the Skoob App, and through our official hub on Linktree.

Operation CHAOS was one of the most secretive and controversial intelligence programs in American history — a CIA operation that quietly turned its surveillance powers inward. In this episode of Inside American Politics by Skoob, host Bradley Teller uncovers how fear, paranoia, and presidential pressure led the CIA to monitor anti-war protesters, civil rights activists, journalists, and ordinary American citizens during the Vietnam War era.

From secret files and wiretaps to internal resistance inside Langley, this deep dive explores how Operation CHAOS blurred legal boundaries, violated constitutional principles, and ultimately reshaped intelligence oversight in the United States. We break down how the program began, how it expanded under multiple presidents, and how its exposure triggered the Church Committee, intelligence reforms, and lasting distrust in government surveillance.

This is not just history — it’s a warning about power, secrecy, and how easily democracy can be tested from within.

👉 Follow Inside American Politics by Skoob on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and hit subscribe on YouTube for more episodes like this.

🎧 Tune in for more thought-provoking stories, deep dives, and political investigations that keep you hooked.

📲 Download the Skoob App now to unlock the full episode, bonus content, and exclusive investigations you won’t find anywhere else.