A highly classified whistleblower complaint against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has emerged, creating concern over its contents and the handling of the situation. The Wall Street Journal reports that this complaint has been locked away due to potential threats to national security and has yet to be disclosed to Congress.
The complaint, filed in May with the intelligence community’s inspector general, has sparked what officials describe as a significant “behind-the-scenes struggle” surrounding its assessment and potential disclosure. Andrew Bakaj, the whistleblower’s lawyer, has accused Gabbard of obstructing the process, while her office maintains that they are working to resolve the matter.
This complaint reportedly implicates another federal agency and raises issues of executive privilege, possibly indicating some involvement from the White House. Bakaj’s letter suggests Gabbard’s office has not provided necessary security guidelines that would allow lawmakers to access the complaint, which has effectively stalled its transmission to Congress. It is unusual for such complaints to be withheld for over six months, prompting concern from intelligence committee members.
Despite the controversy, Gabbard’s representatives describe the complaint as “baseless and politically motivated.” The situation has escalated, raising eyebrows among lawmakers. Senator Jon Ossoff highlighted his alarm over Gabbard’s personal involvement in a recent FBI search at an election center in Fulton County, Georgia, questioning if she is overstepping her authority.
The complaint’s sensitive nature has been confirmed by an inspector general representative, who noted some whistleblower cases require exceptional handling due to their sensitive materials. Bakaj’s experience with whistleblower procedures is significant, having previously aided a CIA officer whose complaint triggered the first impeachment of former President Trump.
As the situation develops, the implications of this complaint and Gabbard’s role in intelligence oversight continue to attract scrutiny. The public and lawmakers alike are awaiting clarity on the matter, hoping for transparency in a situation that holds serious potential consequences for national security and governance.