Edward Snowden credits AG Barr for memoir success: 'Best hype man that I've ever had'

George Back
·Producer, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated

On Thursday night, Edward Snowden made a rare television appearance on The Daily Show With Trevor Noah to promote his new memoir, Permanent Record. The former NSA subcontractor-turned-whistleblower has been living in exile since 2013, when he revealed the U.S. government was monitoring its citizens.

In his new book, Snowden explores the current state of government surveillance and how things have changed since 2013. The book was released on Sept. 17, the same day Snowden was sued by the U.S. Justice Department.

The move to sue may have backfired on the government, as Snowden claimed it has only helped the books sales. “The book was not getting that much attention,” said Snowden, “It was like 25 on the charts and then the government said, ‘You know, we don't want you to read this book.’” He claims the suit drew attention to the book which then jumped to number one on the charts.

“Now we're number one basically everywhere, said Snowden, “So I guess you could say the attorney general [William Barr] is the best hype man that I've ever had.”

For the record, the lawsuit is not trying to halt distribution of Snowden’s book, but instead the government is seeking to obtain all the proceeds that come from the book’s sales.

The Daily Show With Trevor Noah airs weeknights at 11 p.m. on Comedy Central.

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