Two major U.S. newspapers—The Washington Post and The New York Times—may have received classified information from members of the intelligence community, according to officials familiar with the situation. Those suspected of leaking the material are now facing serious repercussions.
On Wednesday, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard formally referred two intelligence officials to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. An ODNI official confirmed that the alleged leaks involved sensitive information provided to both media outlets and noted that a third criminal referral is “on its way” to the DOJ, Fox News reported exclusively. The official added that intelligence personnel should view the action “as a warning,” signaling an ongoing crackdown on unauthorized disclosures from within the intelligence community.
“Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” Gabbard told Fox News Digital. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Today, I referred two intelligence community leakers to the Department of Justice for criminal referral, with a third criminal referral on its way, which includes the recent illegal leak to the Washington Post,” Gabbard said.
“These deep-state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump’s agenda.” She added: “I look forward to working with the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals.” An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told Fox News that referring the individuals for criminal prosecution marks the initial step toward “holding these individuals accountable.”
The process started with an internal review by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). This review resulted in a formal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Following that, the DOJ is anticipated to forward the case to the FBI to initiate a comprehensive criminal investigation. “We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted,” the official said. “Any intelligence community bureaucrat who is considering leaking to the media should take this as a warning.”