A bombshell whistleblower allegation, now backed by newly declassified FBI interview reports, could spell the end of Sen. Adam Schiff’s (D-CA) political career — and potentially his freedom.

If the account holds up in court and prosecutors move forward, Schiff could face massive financial penalties and years behind bars. Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman warns the legal stakes are enormous: “It depends on the counts in the indictment… The fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged.”

The accusations stretch back to Schiff’s tenure in the U.S. House, where he served as ranking member and later chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee during the Trump–Russia investigation — a probe conservatives long criticized as politically motivated.

According to Just The News, a Democrat whistleblower who worked for the committee for more than a decade told the FBI as far back as 2017 that Schiff personally authorized leaks of classified intelligence to media outlets in a coordinated effort to damage President Donald J. Trump.

In an all-staff meeting, the whistleblower says Schiff flat-out declared that “the group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump” and that the leaks “would be used to indict President Trump.”

The whistleblower claims he immediately objected, warning Schiff the scheme was “unethical and possibly treasonous.” But others allegedly reassured him: “We would not be caught leaking classified information.”

The source also alleged Schiff expected to be rewarded with the role of CIA Director if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election. He identified Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) as a likely go-between for the leaks and says he was abruptly fired after taking his concerns to the FBI.

Yet despite the severity of the charges, the whistleblower says FBI brass — including Director Christopher Wray — did nothing. He claims he repeated the allegations to agents in the bureau’s St. Louis office as recently as 2023, again with no response.

Speaking to commentator Benny Johnson, Tolman emphasized the possible criminal exposure: “The fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged… Also, keep in mind, some of the punishment hinges on the purpose of the classified leak or the possession of classified documentation illegally. The purpose becomes very important.”

Tolman suggested the alleged leaks could amount to a plot to sabotage a sitting president: “I believe this was, in essence, the beginning of a conspiracy to take down a president, to impact his ability to lead… There are other statutes — conspiracy statutes, interference with official proceedings, et cetera… If prosecutors find intent to undermine the United States, the penalties could reach up to 20 years in federal prison.”

Critics argue the FBI’s unwillingness to act fits a broader pattern under Wray of protecting political allies while targeting President Trump and his supporters. Former Trump official Kash Patel has long accused the bureau of ignoring genuine misconduct while weaponizing federal law enforcement against conservatives — pointing to the FBI’s use of confidential informants before Jan. 6 as an example of foreknowledge without proper action.

Schiff has not publicly responded to the latest revelations. In past statements, he has denied leaking classified material, dismissing such claims as partisan attacks meant to discredit his “oversight” work.