Whistleblower alleges Tulsi Gabbard blocked intelligence involving Trump associate: Report

A whistleblower has alleged that US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard blocked the routine dissemination of highly classified intelligence involving a person close to President Donald Trump, according to a report by The Guardian.

The report said the National Security Agency (NSA) intercepted an unusual phone call in May last year between two foreign intelligence operatives. During the conversation, the two reportedly discussed an individual linked to Trump. Given the sensitivity of the material, the intelligence was escalated to Gabbard in her role as DNI.

According to Andrew Bakaj, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Gabbard prevented the intelligence from being circulated through normal channels. Instead, she allegedly took a paper copy directly to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Bakaj said that the following day, Gabbard instructed the NSA not to publish the intelligence report and directed that the information be shared only with her office.

The Guardian reported that these details — including Wiles’s receipt of the intelligence — had not previously been disclosed. A whistleblower first contacted the intelligence community’s inspector general on April 17, alleging interference in the standard handling of classified intelligence. A formal complaint was subsequently filed on May 21.

Bakaj later clarified that the intercepted call was between two foreign intelligence figures and involved discussion of someone close to the Trump White House. He said the NSA does not monitor individuals without cause and added that the person mentioned is not believed to be a government official or special government employee.

Gabbard’s office has strongly denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said the claims were false and maintained that Gabbard’s actions were lawful and within her authority. The spokesperson also said inspectors general appointed under both the Trump and Joe Biden administrations had reviewed the matter and found the allegations to be without merit.

Despite the complaint, the intelligence report reportedly remained restricted for about eight months. Acting Inspector General Tamara A. Johnson later dismissed the complaint, stating that her office was unable to determine whether the claims were credible.

However, lawmakers have raised concerns about the handling of the case, particularly after it emerged that Gabbard had assigned a senior adviser to work within the inspector general’s office during the review period.