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EXCLUSIVE: The Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has referred two intelligence community officials to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution over alleged leaks of classified information, as reported by Fox News Digital.
Sources within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence indicated that these professionals leaked sensitive information to prominent media outlets, including the Washington Post and the New York Times. Furthermore, a third referral regarding additional alleged misconduct is currently in progress.
Gabbard’s Warning to Intelligence Community
An official from the ODNI stressed that those in the intelligence community should view Gabbard’s actions as a stern warning. In her remarks to Fox News Digital, Gabbard emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end. Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Gabbard clarified her stance, adding, “Today, I referred two intelligence community leakers to the DOJ for criminal referral, with a third criminal referral on the way, which includes the recent illegal leak to the Washington Post. These deep-state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump’s agenda.”
She also expressed her determination to cooperate with the DOJ and the FBI to investigate, terminate, and prosecute those responsible for the leaks.
First Steps Toward Accountability
The ODNI official explained that referring cases for criminal prosecution is merely the first step in ensuring accountability. Their decision-making process involved conducting an extensive internal review, followed by the submission of the criminal referral to the DOJ. The DOJ will then pass this referral to the FBI for a formal investigation.
The official confirmed, “We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted. Any intelligence community bureaucrat considering leaking to the media should take this as a warning.” These comments reiterate the administration’s commitment to identifying and penalizing leakers within the intelligence community.
Restorative Measures: A New Task Force
Earlier this month, Gabbard established a new task force aimed at restoring transparency and accountability within the intelligence community. Fox News Digital first reported on this initiative known as the Director’s Initiative Group (DIG), which is designed to address concerns about politicization and unauthorized disclosures of classified information.
The DIG will focus on exposing unauthorized leaks and rooting out politicization. Additionally, the group aims to declassify information deemed to serve the public interest.
Consequences for Misconduct
Gabbard’s approach to mismanagement within the security sector has also included responding to misconduct related to the NSA. She has held employees accountable who participated in sexually explicit chatrooms and is pursuing action against those who have made unauthorized leaks of sensitive information.
This comprehensive approach emphasizes Gabbard’s commitment to safeguarding national security while ensuring that breaches of trust are met with appropriate consequences.
Future Directions and Community Response
By implementing this task force and referring individuals for prosecution, Gabbard aims not only to hold wrongdoers accountable but also to restore public trust in the intelligence community.
These developments signal a new chapter in how intelligence agencies address internal breaches and safeguards. As the situation unfolds, citizens will be watching closely to see how effectively Gabbard’s initiatives change the current landscape.
