In a striking move to curb unauthorized disclosures, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has referred two intelligence community officials to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution over alleged leaks of classified information, with a third referral on the way. Announced on April 23, 2025, this action signals a aggressive push by the Trump administration to clamp down on leaks that Gabbard claims undermine national security and President Donald Trump’s agenda. The referrals, which involve leaks to major outlets like The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sparked heated debate about government transparency, accountability, and the role of the so-called “deep state.”
A Crackdown on Leaks
Gabbard, who oversees the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies, didn’t mince words when addressing the issue. “Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” she told Fox News Digital. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” According to reports, the two unnamed officials are suspected of sharing sensitive information with major media outlets, though specific details about the leaks remain unclear. A third referral, which includes a recent leak to The Washington Post, is reportedly in progress.
The process began with an internal review by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which then sent the referrals to the DOJ. From there, the DOJ is expected to pass the cases to the FBI for formal criminal investigations. An ODNI official emphasized that this is just the beginning, warning intelligence community professionals to view the referrals as a “warning” against future leaks. “We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted,” the official said.
Gabbard’s Broader Mission
This crackdown isn’t happening in isolation. Gabbard has made it clear that she’s on a mission to root out what she calls “deep-state criminals” who leak classified information for partisan purposes. In a post on X, she accused leakers of trying to sabotage Trump’s agenda, a charge that resonates with the administration’s broader narrative of battling entrenched bureaucratic resistance. Her office has also launched the Director’s Initiative Group (DIG), a task force aimed at eliminating politicization within the intelligence community, increasing transparency, and declassifying information that serves the public interest.
Gabbard’s actions follow a pattern of heightened scrutiny across federal agencies. The Pentagon recently fired three top officials—Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, senior advisor Dan Caldwell, and Colin Carroll—after an internal probe into unauthorized disclosures. These firings, coupled with Gabbard’s referrals, suggest a coordinated effort to tighten control over sensitive information.
The Controversy: Security vs. Transparency
Gabbard’s referrals have ignited a firestorm of reactions. Supporters, particularly within conservative circles, applaud her for taking a hard line against leaks. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users like @InsanityCrushr1 cheering, “Alright, Gabbard is get’tin after the ‘deep state’—just what we’ve been waiting for!!” Others, like @StarrAli001, called for harsh punishments, urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to “prosecute to the fullest extent of the law and make an example” of the leakers.
Critics, however, worry that Gabbard’s aggressive approach could stifle legitimate whistleblowing and chill press freedom. Leaks have long been a tool for exposing government misconduct, and some argue that targeting leakers too broadly risks silencing those who act in the public interest. The Washington Post noted that Gabbard’s statements appear to be part of a broader Trump administration effort to curb news reporting it deems unfavorable, pointing to actions like barring certain outlets from Pentagon and White House events.
The Bigger Picture
Gabbard’s referrals come at a time of heightened tension within the intelligence community. Earlier in March, she announced investigations into leaks involving The Washington Post, HuffPost, NBC, and The Record, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized disclosures. Her office has also taken steps to address other forms of misconduct, such as revoking security clearances for former officials like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton, and holding employees accountable for inappropriate behavior in NSA chatrooms.
The referrals also highlight a turbulent period at the Pentagon, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny over leaks, including an incident where journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally included in a Signal group chat discussing war plans. These events underscore the challenges of maintaining secrecy in an era of instant communication and heightened political polarization.
What’s Next?
As the DOJ and FBI take up Gabbard’s referrals, the intelligence community braces for what could be a transformative moment. Will these prosecutions deter future leaks, or will they deepen distrust between the government and the press? Gabbard’s vow to work closely with law enforcement suggests that more referrals—and possibly high-profile prosecutions—could be on the horizon. For now, her message is clear: leakers will face consequences, and she’s not backing down.
In a world where information is power, Gabbard’s crackdown raises critical questions about where to draw the line between national security and public accountability. As the investigations unfold, the nation will be watching to see how this battle shapes the future of intelligence and transparency.
