Declassified CIA files reveal chilling blueprint to manipulate Americans’ minds through covert drugging with vaccines

Resurfaced CIA documents reveal details about Project Artichoke, a secret Cold War program that ran from 1951 to 1956.

The project explored interrogation tactics and ways to influence human behavior during fears of enemy “brainwashing.” Files show research into drugs that could affect mood or memory, along with hypnosis and other psychological methods. Some notes even discussed covert delivery through food or drinks.

Artichoke later evolved into the better-known MKUltra program. Many records were destroyed, and when the projects became public, they sparked major ethical concerns.

The documents reflect controversial intelligence practices shaped by Cold War anxieties.