Schiff Could Face Fines, Prison Time if Classified Leak Allegations Proven
A Democrat insider’s explosive testimony — now backed by newly declassified FBI reports — threatens to shatter the political career of Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and expose one of the most serious abuse-of-power scandals in modern Washington history.
According to the whistleblower, who worked for Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee for over a decade, Schiff personally authorized the leaking of classified information to the press to damage then-President Donald J. Trump during the infamous Russia investigation.
The whistleblower told the FBI that in a 2017 all-staff meeting, Schiff declared that “the group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump” and that those leaks “would be used to indict President Trump.”
When the staffer objected, warning that the scheme was “unethical and possibly treasonous,” he said Schiff’s allies reassured him that “we would not be caught leaking classified information.”
The whistleblower further alleged Schiff expected to be rewarded with the position of CIA Director if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election. He also named Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) as a likely go-between for funneling leaks to the media. The staffer claims he was abruptly terminated after alerting the FBI to the misconduct.
Despite the seriousness of the claims, the whistleblower says FBI leadership — including Director Christopher Wray — buried the evidence. He reported the same information again to the bureau’s St. Louis office in 2023, but once more, no action was taken.
Now, former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman warns that Schiff’s legal exposure could be catastrophic if prosecutors finally move forward. Speaking with commentator Benny Johnson, Tolman explained:
“Yeah. I mean, the fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged, so it depends on the counts in the indictment… The purpose of the leak becomes very important.”
Tolman said the intent behind the leaks — allegedly to “take down a president” — could elevate the case far beyond mishandling classified material.
“I believe this was, in essence, the beginning of a conspiracy to take down a president, to impact his ability to lead,” he said. “There are other statutes — conspiracy statutes, interference with official proceedings… You probably don’t satisfy the elements for treason, but there are some related crimes that could come into play.”
If prosecutors determine that the leaks were intended “to undermine the United States,” Tolman noted, Schiff could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Critics say this fits a troubling pattern under FBI Director Wray, who has repeatedly been accused of protecting establishment Democrats while weaponizing the bureau against conservatives.
Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official, said the FBI’s refusal to act on the Schiff allegations mirrors how the agency ignored its own confidential informants ahead of January 6, despite clear foreknowledge of unrest.
So far, Schiff has not responded publicly to the newly surfaced reports. He has previously denied leaking classified information, claiming such accusations are “partisan attacks” designed to smear his record.