Newly declassified FBI records have brought fresh attention to serious allegations that Senator Adam Schiff, formerly the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, approved the leaking of classified information during the Trump–Russia investigation. The documents, obtained by Just The News, are based on multiple FBI interviews with a whistleblower—an intelligence officer affiliated with the Democratic Party who worked on the House Intelligence Committee. Between 2017 and 2023, the whistleblower repeatedly told the FBI that Schiff authorized the release of sensitive materials in an effort to politically damage then-President Donald Trump during the height of the “Russiagate” controversy.
According to the whistleblower, much of the leaked information was passed through Rep. Eric Swalwell, a fellow Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, who allegedly served as the direct source to the media. One FBI interview summary cites a meeting where Schiff reportedly told his staff that derogatory classified information about Trump would be strategically leaked and used to help build a legal case against him. These leaks reportedly supported the narrative that the Trump campaign had colluded with Russian operatives during the 2016 election—a claim that was later undermined by multiple investigations, including the Mueller Report.
Rep. Swalwell has denied all allegations and accused FBI Director Kash Patel, a former Trump official, of politicizing the issue. The whistleblower, however, claimed that Schiff had long-term political motives, including an expectation that he would be named CIA Director if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election. Despite Clinton’s loss, the whistleblower alleged that Schiff continued to target Trump, using his position on the Intelligence Committee to push selective narratives through the press. The whistleblower also suggested the leaks were part of a larger strategy coordinated within Democratic leadership circles.
Concerns about these actions were reportedly brought to the attention of the FBI and Justice Department multiple times over the years, but according to the whistleblower, those warnings were either ignored or dismissed. Ultimately, the whistleblower claims to have been fired in retaliation for bringing these matters forward. This has sparked renewed scrutiny over the government’s handling of internal complaints, especially those involving high-ranking political figures and national security matters. Critics argue that the lack of follow-up reflects a broader failure of oversight within federal institutions when politically sensitive issues are involved.
Adding further intrigue, investigative journalist Paul Sperry reported that the classified leaks may have been funneled to Washington Post reporter Ellen Nakashima, a journalist known for her deep connections within the intelligence community. If true, it would indicate a deliberate pipeline from congressional staff to media outlets in an effort to shape public perception and influence legal proceedings. Schiff’s office has not issued a formal response to the revived allegations, but his critics are calling for a full congressional investigation into the matter.
If the whistleblower’s claims are validated, the consequences for Schiff could be severe, both legally and politically. As a current U.S. Senator, Schiff holds considerable influence in national security matters, and any confirmed misuse of classified information could lead to ethics inquiries, legal consequences, or even expulsion from the Senate. The case also raises broader questions about the weaponization of intelligence for political gain and the accountability of powerful lawmakers. As calls for transparency grow louder, the situation underscores ongoing tensions between political loyalty, national security, and institutional trust in the American political system.
