Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has delayed the disclosure of a complaint regarding her conduct to Congress for nearly eight months, citing the need for a legal review. This action has prompted scrutiny from lawmakers and calls for an investigation into the handling of the allegations.
The situation is critical as it intersects with broader concerns about accountability and transparency within the intelligence community, particularly in light of Gabbard’s recent involvement in high-profile events. Her role in coordinating the nation’s intelligence efforts, along with her actions during contentious political situations, adds to the significance of how this complaint is managed.
Key Developments
- Gabbard’s office claims the complaint was deemed non-credible by the intelligence community’s inspector general.
- Andrew Bakaj, representing the whistleblower, argues there has been no justification for withholding the complaint from Congress.
- Senator Mark Warner’s office has expressed expectations that Gabbard will honor her commitments to protect whistleblowers.
- Gabbard played a notable role during an FBI search of election offices in Georgia related to fraud claims from the 2020 election.
Full Report
A complaint lodged against Gabbard has not been forwarded to Congress despite procedural allowances for such referrals. Bakaj, the attorney for the whistleblower, stated that he was unable to disclose details about his client or the nature of the allegations, citing the sensitive nature of their work. He criticized the prolonged delay in notifying Congress, stemming back to last spring.
Gabbard’s press secretary, Olivia Coleman, countered Bakaj’s claims by asserting that the review process was complicated due to classified content within the complaint. Coleman emphasized that the inspector general who ruled the complaint non-credible was appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden and was not selected by Gabbard.
Gabbard’s involvement in intelligence matters includes coordinating the activities of the U.S.’s 18 intelligence agencies. Recently, she was present at an FBI operation targeting election offices in Georgia—a move embroiled in controversy due to former President Donald Trump’s claims of election fraud.
Bakaj has formally requested that Congress investigate how the complaint has been managed. Senator Warner’s office reiterated the importance of transparency, noting Gabbard’s prior oath to uphold whistleblower protections and keep Congress adequately informed.
Context & Previous Events
The inspector general’s office, which provides oversight of the intelligence community, has not commented on the complaint. Bakaj previously represented a whistleblower whose testimony about a critical phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contributed to Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2019.
