Schiff Faces Potential Prison Time and Massive Fines Over Classified Leak Allegations
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) could be facing devastating legal and political consequences after newly declassified FBI interview reports appear to support explosive whistleblower allegations that he authorized leaks of classified intelligence during the Trump–Russia investigation.
According to the whistleblower—a longtime Democratic staffer on the House Intelligence Committee—Schiff explicitly directed committee staff to leak sensitive national security information to the media in order to damage then-President Donald Trump. The FBI documents confirm that these warnings were made to federal agents as early as 2017, yet no action was taken.
“The group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump,” the whistleblower recalled Schiff saying, adding that the leaks “would be used to indict President Trump.”
The staffer reportedly objected on ethical grounds, calling the plan “possibly treasonous,” but was told by others that “we would not be caught leaking classified information.”
The same whistleblower also claimed Schiff expected to be rewarded with the position of CIA Director under a potential Hillary Clinton administration, and identified Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) as a likely conduit for classified leaks. After he reported his concerns to the FBI, the staffer said he was abruptly terminated.
Despite these grave accusations, the whistleblower told investigators that senior FBI leadership, including Director Christopher Wray, ignored his repeated reports. He says he provided the same account to agents from the bureau’s St. Louis field office in 2023, only to see no follow-up.
Now, former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman says Schiff could face severe punishment if prosecutors decide to act. Speaking with commentator Benny Johnson, Tolman detailed how each count of leaking classified information carries heavy criminal penalties.
“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,” Tolman said. “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 argued that the nature of Schiff’s alleged leaks could make the case even more serious.
“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, et cetera… 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 meant “to undermine the United States,” Tolman warned, Schiff could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Critics say the FBI’s failure to act reflects a familiar double standard under Director Wray — protecting powerful Democrats while aggressively pursuing political opponents of President Trump. Former Trump official Kash Patel has accused the bureau of “running cover” for insiders like Schiff while weaponizing investigations against conservatives.
Patel also noted the FBI’s handling of informants before the January 6 protests as evidence of political bias, arguing that the bureau had foreknowledge yet failed to intervene.
Schiff has yet to comment on the latest revelations but has consistently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing previous leak allegations as partisan attempts to tarnish his reputation.