ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard Refers Intelligence Officials for Criminal Prosecution Over Classified Leaks
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has formally referred two intelligence officials to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution, citing alleged leaks of classified information to The New York Times and The Washington Post, Fox News reported Wednesday.
A third criminal referral is expected imminently, according to officials at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), as the department intensifies its internal investigations into national security leaks.
“Deep-State Criminals” Targeted for Undermining Trump Administration
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gabbard was unequivocal in her condemnation of the alleged actions.
“Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” she said. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Gabbard described the leaks as coordinated efforts designed to sabotage the Trump administration for political gain.
“These deep-state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump’s agenda,” Gabbard said. “Today, I referred two intelligence community leakers to the Department of Justice for criminal referral, with a third criminal referral on its way, which includes the recent illegal leak to the Washington Post.”
ODNI: “This Is a Warning”
A senior ODNI official speaking anonymously to Fox emphasized that the referrals should serve as a clear deterrent for future would-be leakers.
“This is a warning to all intelligence professionals: leaking classified information for political purposes is a crime, and we are aggressively investigating all such cases,” the official said.
The move marks a significant escalation in Gabbard’s effort to root out internal subversion within the intelligence community and assert control over a system long accused by conservatives of operating with unchecked political bias.
Background and Fallout
The leaks in question reportedly involved sensitive national security material, including intelligence assessments related to foreign election interference and high-level surveillance operations. These disclosures, published in major outlets including The Washington Post and The New York Times, were perceived by administration officials as undermining President Trump’s policies and strategies.
Though the DOJ has not yet commented on whether formal indictments are forthcoming, the referrals from ODNI will likely add pressure for prosecutors to act swiftly.
The investigation continues, with additional referrals and disciplinary actions reportedly under consideration.