DNI Gabbard Refers Intelligence Officials to DOJ For Alleged Leaking
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has formally referred two members of the intelligence community to the Department of Justice, seeking criminal charges for allegedly leaking classified materials, according to a report released Wednesday.
An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) confirmed that the individuals are suspected of providing sensitive information to The Washington Post and The New York Times. A third referral, connected to another unauthorized disclosure, is reportedly “on its way” to the DOJ, according to an exclusive from Fox News Digital.
The ODNI official emphasized that the referrals should act “as a warning” to others within the intelligence community.
“Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” Gabbard told Fox News Digital. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
In a statement, Gabbard added, “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. These deep-state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump’s agenda.”
She also stated, “I look forward to working with the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals.”
According to Fox News, an ODNI source described the referrals as an initial move toward “holding these individuals accountable.”
The same official explained that the criminal referrals followed an internal review process, and upon submission to the DOJ, the department would then forward them to the FBI for a full criminal investigation.
“We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted,” the source added. “Any intelligence community bureaucrat who is considering leaking to the media should take this as a warning.”
The official further noted that the Trump administration “will identify leakers and leakers will face legal consequences.”
Earlier in the month, Gabbard introduced a new initiative to enhance transparency and accountability across the intelligence agencies. The Director’s Initiative Group (DIG), first reported by Fox News Digital, was formed to investigate perceived misuse of intelligence operations.
The DIG’s mission includes addressing internal politicization and halting unauthorized disclosures. The group also plans to release declassified information “that serves a public interest.”
Additionally, Gabbard has taken disciplinary action against NSA employees involved in inappropriate online activity, and she continues to pursue those responsible for unauthorized intelligence leaks.
Back in March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also began an investigation into leaks and the distribution of disinformation to news outlets.
One report from The New York Times, based on anonymous sources, claimed that Elon Musk was set to receive a classified briefing regarding U.S. military strategies in the event of a conflict with China. The allegation sparked concern due to Musk’s business interests in China.
The story quickly spread, particularly through CNN, until Hegseth dismissed it, clarifying that although Musk had a scheduled Pentagon visit, there was no intention to brief him on war plans.
President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the article an “absolutely ridiculous and false story, which is probably libelous.”
In recent days, three former Pentagon officials have reportedly been terminated for allegedly leaking sensitive information. One of those individuals previously served as a senior adviser to Hegseth.
Reuters was first to report that Dan Caldwell was suspended amid an investigation into “unauthorized disclosure” of information. A Department of Defense source confirmed the suspension to Fox News Digital but withheld further details due to the ongoing inquiry.