Whistleblower report alleges Tulsi Gabbard blocked sensitive intel linked to Trump circle

A whistleblower has alleged that US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard blocked.

The routine sharing of highly classified intelligence involving an individual 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 figures. During the conversation, the pair reportedly discussed someone close to Trump. The intelligence was flagged as sensitive and escalated to Gabbard in her capacity as director of national intelligence.

According to Andrew Bakaj, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Gabbard did not allow the NSA to circulate the intelligence through standard 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 officials to route the information only to her office.

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

Bakaj later clarified that the intercepted call was between two foreign intelligence operatives and involved discussion of someone close to the Trump White House. He emphasised that the NSA does not monitor individuals without cause and said the person mentioned in the call is not believed to be a government official or a 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 insisted that Gabbard’s actions were lawful and within her authority.

The spokesperson added that inspectors general appointed under both Trump and former president Joe Biden had previously reviewed the matter and found the allegations to be without merit.

Despite the complaint, the intelligence report remained restricted for around eight months. Acting Inspector General Tamara A. Johnson later dismissed the complaint, stating that her office could not determine whether the claims were credible.

However, the handling of the case has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, particularly after it emerged that Gabbard had assigned a senior adviser to work within the watchdog’s office during the review period.