The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is intensifying efforts to counteract politically motivated leaks within the intelligence community.
NBC News reported that Gabbard has initiated a comprehensive investigation into leaks, scrutinizing the potential misuse of intelligence operations and monitoring internal misconduct.
On Friday, Gabbard took action, ordering an investigation to address unauthorized disclosures from intelligence agencies. This move aims to uphold accountability and transparency within the community.
Her efforts are focused on politically driven leaks, which she states compromise both national security and public trust. "Politically motivated leaks undermine our national security and the trust of the American people and will not be tolerated," Gabbard emphasized.
In addition to her focus on leaks, Gabbard is also investigating internal chat rooms within the intelligence agencies. Her concern is whether these platforms may have hosted unprofessional conduct by officers. Employees allegedly engaged in discussions beyond their professional scope, covering topics such as politics and personal lifestyle choices.
Gabbard's recent actions include highlighting specific instances where sensitive information was leaked to media outlets including HuffPost, The Washington Post, NBC News, and The Record.
The leaks reportedly covered geopolitical issues involving Israel, Iran, and the U.S.-Russia relationship. Although specific stories and dates were not mentioned, these instances underscore the gravity of the situation.
This initiative is one of several steps Gabbard is taking since assuming her role last month. Her leadership comes amidst a backdrop of increased scrutiny over intelligence agencies' use for political purposes, specifically during Donald Trump's presidency.
Gabbard has expressed her intent to restore trust in intelligence operations, accusing agencies of being weaponized politically in the past. She has a controversial history in this domain, including her previous praise for Edward Snowden, a former U.S. security contractor charged with espionage currently residing in Russia.
During her confirmation hearings earlier this year, Gabbard faced questioning about her opinion on Snowden.
While she acknowledged Snowden's legal breaches and stated she would not seek his pardon, she stopped short of condemning him as a traitor.
Beyond leaks, Gabbard's leadership agenda includes ensuring a professional working environment. Last month, she terminated over 100 intelligence officers, citing unprofessional discussions on internal government chat platforms. The conversations reportedly included sensitive and personal topics, sparking concerns about professional standards.
Announcing her decision to investigate the leaks, Gabbard shared her perspective: "Unfortunately, such leaks have become commonplace with no investigation or accountability. That ends now." Her firm stance echoes her intent to chase down those responsible and hold them to account.
The reference to previous administrations, particularly Donald Trump's term, provides context to her actions. During Trump's presidency, numerous media leaks were referred for criminal investigation, surpassing figures from previous administrations. The Trump administration's efforts to access journalists' communication records highlight the severity with which they treated leaks.
These historical parallels stress the ongoing battle Gabbard faces to secure the integrity of intelligence operations. With her recent actions highlighted, it becomes evident that restoring an impartial and secure intelligence community is a top priority.
Gabbard's latest initiatives suggest a zero-tolerance policy towards unauthorized disclosures. "Any unauthorized release of classified information is a violation of the law and will be treated as such," she underscored in her remarks.
The investigation into internal misconduct also reveals her broader vision for the intelligence community. The conduct of the dismissed officers was described as "an egregious violation of trust," illustrating the challenges she faces in fostering professionalism.
