Politics
JUST IN: Alleged Intel Leakers Referred To DOJ For Criminal Prosecution
Two major U.S. newspapers—The Washington Post and The New York Times—may have received classified information from members of the intelligence community, according to officials familiar with the matter. Now, those suspected of leaking that information are facing serious consequences.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard formally referred two intelligence professionals to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution on Wednesday. An ODNI official confirmed the alleged leaks involved sensitive material shared with both outlets. The official also revealed that a third criminal referral is “on its way” to the DOJ.
The official added that intelligence personnel should view the action “as a warning” per Fox News, signaling a crackdown on unauthorized disclosures from within the government.
“Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” Gabbard told Fox. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
La Crosse, WI USA – 8-29-24 Donald J. Trump with Tulsi Gabbard Town Hall Rally at La Crosse Center. U.S. President Trump and J.D. Vance – 2024 Republican Party Campaign – Make America Great Again
“Today, I referred two intelligence community leakers to the Department of Justice for criminal referral, with a third criminal referral on its way, which includes the recent illegal leak to the Washington Post,” she continued. “These deep-state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump’s agenda.”
“I look forward to working with the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals,” said Gabbard.
An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told Fox News that referring the individuals for criminal prosecution marks the initial step toward “holding these individuals accountable.” According to the official, the process began with an internal review conducted by the ODNI, which then led to a formal referral to the Department of Justice. From there, the DOJ is expected to pass the case to the FBI to launch a full criminal investigation.
WASHINGTON D.C., USA – FEBRUARY 4, 2025: United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is seen in the East Room of the White House.
“We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted,” the official said. “Any intelligence community bureaucrat who is considering leaking to the media should take this as a warning.”
This follows recent controversies involving the unauthorized sharing of sensitive military information, including incidents where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly disclosed operational details via the Signal messaging app. The chat included high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Hegseth.
President Trump has publicly defended Secretary Hegseth, attributing the backlash to a “smear campaign” orchestrated by political opponents and “deep state” actors. The administration maintains that no classified information was shared in either incident.
