Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is facing scrutiny following allegations that she improperly handled a whistleblower complaint. The complaint, filed with the intelligence community’s inspector general in May, concerned alleged wrongdoing, according to the whistleblower’s attorney, Andrew Bakaj.
Dispute Over Complaint Handling
Senator Mark Warner, the vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, stated that Congress did not receive the complaint until February and that it was “much of it was redacted.” Warner suggested that the delay indicated Gabbard was “either not competent to do the job, or if her legal advisors didn’t tell her she didn’t have competent legal advice,” and characterized the situation as an “effort to try to bury this whistleblower complaint.”
Gabbard responded to the criticism, asserting she never possessed or controlled the complaint, stating the inspector general “was in possession of and responsible for securing the complaint for months.” She explained she first reviewed the complaint two weeks prior to provide guidance on secure sharing with Congress. Gabbard likewise stated the complaint contained “baseless allegations” but required secure handling due to its classified nature.
According to Gabbard, she first learned of the complaint against her in June, but neither former Inspector General Tamara Johnson nor current Inspector General Fox initially found it credible. Olivia Coleman, press secretary for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, confirmed that both inspectors general “did not find the complaint credible.”
Conflicting Accounts
Bakaj accused Gabbard of attempting to hide the complaint from Congress, stating it was time for her to “fully release the disclosure.” Coleman countered by claiming the whistleblower was a “politically motivated individual.” Representative Rick Crawford, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, concurred with the inspectors general’s assessment that the complaint lacked credibility, characterizing the resulting media attention as an attempt to discredit Gabbard and the Trump Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the whistleblower complaint initially filed?
The complaint was filed with the intelligence community’s inspector general in May.
What did Senator Warner say about the delay in sharing the complaint with Congress?
Warner stated that Congress didn’t receive the complaint until February and that “much of it was redacted,” suggesting the delay was an attempt to bury the complaint.
What is Gabbard’s response to the allegations?
Gabbard stated she never possessed or controlled the complaint and that the inspector general was responsible for securing it. She also said the complaint contained “baseless allegations.”
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further investigation will be pursued and what impact these allegations will have on Gabbard’s position as Director of National Intelligence.
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