Is Reality Winner some idealist, upset about the 2016 election and the direction of her country, who leaked classified material she felt the nation needed to know? Or is she, as the government contends, a potential threat to national security?

Those opposing views of Winner, a 25-year-old intelligence contractor and Air Force veteran, could be at the center of the first leak prosecution under the Trump Administration.

Legal experts say federal prosecutors will want to make an example of Winner, who is accused of leaking a top secret report about Russian meddling in the election. The case comes in an era where rampant leaks have angered President Donald Trump and damaged his presidency.

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Shanette Williams (center) speaks during a fundraising event Saturday, May 17, 2025, for Planned Parenthood Southeast in Buckhead. Williams' daughter, Amber Nicole Thurman, died in 2022 from abortion-related complications. She was joined on stage by Turiya Tomlin-Randall (right), the older sister of Candi Miller, who also died in 2022 from abortion-related complications. (Maya T. Prabhu/AJC)

Credit: Maya Prabhu

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Three people were shot to death and six others were wounded early Sunday outside of a bar on Log Cabin Drive on Macon's west side, officials said. (Joe Kovac Jr./AJC)

Credit: Joe Kovac