The executive branch
whistleblower
An employee who reports wrongdoing through protected channels. Federal law shields many from retaliation, but the protections vary sharply by sector.
In full
The Whistleblower Protection Act covers most federal employees who disclose a violation of law, gross waste, abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety. Intelligence community employees use a separate route through their inspector general and the congressional intelligence committees. Retaliation complaints go to the Office of Special Counsel and the Merit Systems Protection Board.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.