Edward Snowden Responds To NSA's Call For Former Workers To Come Back: 'Thanks, I'll Pass'

U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden, who leaked details of mass surveillance by the National Security Agency while employed as a contractor, jokingly said he would pass on an offer extended by the agency's director of cybersecurity to former employees.

What Happened: Snowden quote-tweeted a post by Rob Joyce on Sunday, in which the NSA official asked former employees to "Come on back!"

Joyce had shared a job posting that said the NSA has "exciting opportunities for former Federal civilian/military service members to be a part of an expert workforce."

Snowden, glibly, responded: “Thanks, I’ll pass.”

Why It Matters: Snowden was granted Russian citizenship by the country's President Vladimir Putin in a decree issued in September.

The former intelligence contractor faces charges in the U.S. that could land him in prison for decades but said he would be open to returning if assured of a fair trial.

He is accused of stealing government property and disclosing classified information about U.S. national security and intelligence.

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