Whistleblower Alleges Tulsi Gabbard Blocked Intel Involving Person Close To Trump: Report

Last Updated:February 08, 2026, 17:22 IST

The intelligence was deemed sensitive and was escalated to Gabbard in her role as director of national intelligence.

A whistleblower has alleged that US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard blocked the routine sharing of highly classified intelligence involving a person close to President Donald Trump, according to a report by The Guardian.

The report said the Security Agency (NSA) flagged an unusual phone call last May between two members of foreign intelligence. During the call, the two discussed someone close to Trump. The intelligence was deemed sensitive and was escalated to Gabbard in her role as director of national intelligence.

According to Andrew Bakaj, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Gabbard did not allow the NSA to circulate the intelligence in the usual way. Instead, she reportedly took a paper copy directly to the White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles.

Bakaj said that the following day, Gabbard instructed the NSA not to publish the report and told officials to send the details only to her office.

The Guardian reported that these details, including Wiles’s receipt of the intelligence, had not been previously disclosed. On April 17, a whistleblower contacted the intelligence community’s inspector general, alleging that Gabbard had blocked the normal dispatch of classified intelligence. A formal complaint was filed on May 21.

Bakaj later clarified that the intercepted call was between two foreign intelligence figures and involved discussion of someone close to the Trump White House. He said the NSA does not monitor individuals without cause. The person discussed is not believed to be a government official or special government employee.

Gabbard’s office strongly rejected the claims. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of Intelligence said that the allegations were false and said Gabbard’s actions were lawful and within her authority.

The statement added that inspectors general appointed under both Trump and former president Joe Biden had found the claims to be without merit.

Despite the complaint, the intelligence report remained restricted for around eight months. Acting inspector general Tamara A Johnson later dismissed the complaint, saying her office could not determine whether the claims were credible.

Lawmakers have raised concerns about the handling of the case, particularly after Gabbard assigned a senior adviser to work in the watchdog’s office during the review period.

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