The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advisory board has suggested that supporters of former President Donald Trump, military personnel, and religious individuals pose a higher risk of domestic terrorism, according to files obtained by America First Legal (AFL).
This revelation has sparked significant controversy and allegations of political bias within the DHS.
The advisory board, named the "Homeland Intelligence Experts Group," was created in September 2023 to provide expert analysis on issues such as terrorism and fentanyl trafficking.
Fox News reported that the board included notable figures such as former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan.
Both Clapper and Brennan had previously signed an October 2020 letter dismissing Hunter Biden's laptop as Russian disinformation. The board's findings, according to AFL, suggested that supporters of former President Trump account for most of the domestic terrorism threats in the U.S.
The board claimed that certain traits, such as military service or being religious, are indicators of extremism and terrorism.
These files were released as part of AFL's "#DeepStateDiaries," a series of document releases aimed at exposing government activities.
AFL Executive Director Gene Hamilton criticized the board for apparent partisanship and efforts to weaponize the federal government against political opponents. AFL President Stephen Miller echoed these sentiments, accusing the Biden administration of mobilizing government power against Trump supporters ahead of the election.
"There is a political backdrop to all of this. It seems that most of the domestic terrorism threat now comes from supporters of the former president. It is not like you want a political advantage, but people have attacked the government and its institutions for the last six years," according to meeting notes from the board.
One board member noted, "If you ask researchers to dive into indicators of extremists and terrorism, they might indicate being in the military or religious. This being identified as an indicator suggests we should be more worried about those. We need the space to talk about it honestly."
Hamilton commented, "These shocking records reveal apparent unabashed partisanship on this Deep State committee." He added, "All efforts to weaponize the federal government against political opponents of the ruling regime should be stopped. We look forward to exposing more records in the coming days."
Stephen Miller stated, "The documents reveal a shocking Biden plan to mobilize government power against Trump supporters ahead of the election."
However, the White House deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates, denied that the administration views Trump supporters, military personnel, or religious individuals as significant threats. When asked if the White House believes these groups pose a significant threat, Bates responded, "No."
The DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The advisory board discussed efforts to improve community engagement and information collection through non-threatening means. One noted effort was to revamp the "See Something, Say Something" campaign, which had previously fallen short due to public ambivalence.
The group was disbanded following a successful lawsuit by AFL on behalf of former Acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had initially announced the formation of the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group to enhance intelligence and national security efforts.
The DHS advisory board's suggestion that Trump supporters, military personnel, and religious individuals pose a higher risk of domestic terrorism has ignited a fierce debate.
Critics argue that the findings reflect political bias and efforts to weaponize the federal government against opponents. The White House and DHS responses have varied, with some denying the allegations while others call for a thorough examination of the board's findings and intentions.
