Michael G. Baker

Michael G. Baker is a former CIA covert field operations officer with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and counterinsurgency. During his distinguished career, Baker engaged in and supervised global operations across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the former Soviet Union. He was recognized for outstanding performance and operational achievements in hostile environments, working alongside U.S. government agencies and foreign intelligence services. His expertise in high-stakes intelligence operations has made him a trusted figure in the field.

After leaving the CIA, Baker co-founded Diligence, an intelligence and risk management firm. He played a pivotal role in expanding the company worldwide, establishing security operations in Iraq in 2003, where Diligence grew to a team of over 300 personnel. In 2019, following a management buyout, Baker rebranded the firm as Portman Square Group (PSG), adding crisis communications and policy work to its service lines. PSG now operates globally, with offices in London, New York, Washington, D.C., and Mexico City, serving Fortune 50 companies, law firms, and high-net-worth individuals.

In addition to his intelligence work, Baker is a recognized media commentator, regularly contributing to networks such as Fox News, CNN, Newsmax, and the BBC on issues related to intelligence, security, and counterterrorism. He has hosted television series for Discovery, BBC, and the Travel Channel, including the popular show "Black Files Declassified" on Discovery. In 2023, he launched "The President’s Daily Brief", a top-rated daily news podcast that delves into current national security issues.

Baker’s extensive field experience, combined with his work in private intelligence, makes him a sought-after voice on global security and intelligence matters. His career continues to focus on both informing the public and providing expert insights to top-tier clients in various industries.