Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has formally submitted referrals to the Department of Justice against two individuals she says unlawfully disclosed classified information to media outlets, as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to clamp down on leaks across federal departments.
According to Gabbard, 44, one of the suspected individuals is responsible for providing classified material to the Washington Post, while the second allegedly gave sensitive documents to the New York Times.
“A third criminal referral is on its way,” Gabbard said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that this third person is believed to have also funneled classified content to the Washington Post without authorization.
While the exact nature of the leaks has not yet been made public, Gabbard’s actions are being interpreted as a clear message to others within the government who may consider releasing sensitive data to journalists.
Investigations into internal leaks are also gaining momentum at the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, where some leaders are reportedly weighing the use of lie detector tests to identify those responsible.
“Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” Gabbard said in a statement. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“I look forward to working with the Justice Department and FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals.”
Gabbard stated that those behind the leaks are attempting to sabotage President Trump’s policies and hinder his administration’s national security initiatives.
Whether or not charges will ultimately be brought against the accused individuals remains a decision for the Department of Justice.
Earlier this month, Gabbard launched a new internal unit called the Director’s Initiative Group, which is tasked with increasing transparency within the intelligence sector. A key part of the group’s responsibility is targeting the unauthorized release of classified materials.
In recent weeks, Gabbard came under fire from lawmakers on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees following revelations about a Signal messaging group she was part of that had been exposed in a leak.
The Signal chat had reportedly been established by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who unintentionally added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the group.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in mid-March.
{Matzav.com}