Whistleblower

A whistleblower is a person who discloses information about suspected wrongdoing. Under the federal Whistleblower Protection Act, covered employees are protected from specified retaliation for disclosures they reasonably believe show a legal violation, gross mismanagement or waste, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

Example: The Whistleblower Protection Act, as amended, prohibits retaliation against most federal executive-branch employees who report significant agency wrongdoing.

Common misconception: The Act does not cover every federal employee or every way of disclosing information. Some employee groups are excluded, and when information is restricted, the law protects related disclosures through designated channels such as Congress, inspectors general, or authorized agency officials.

Sources: House Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds, Whistleblower Protection Act Fact Sheet