NSA Asked Linus Torvalds To Install Backdoors Into GNU/Linux
https://falkvinge.net/2013/11/17/nsa-asked-linus-torvalds-to-install-backdoors-into-gnulinux/
Linus Torvalds' response to the NSA remains unknown, but it's likely he pointed out that intentionally compromising Linux would be impossible due to its open-source nature, with all code changes being thoroughly reviewed by a multitude of independent contributors.
This illustrates the strength of a sovereign individual empowered by transparency.