A seasoned intelligence agent who previously backed Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee has alleged that Adam Schiff approved the leaking of classified information during the Russia investigation to tarnish President Trump’s reputation, according to newly released documents.
Now a Senator from California, Schiff was a prominent figure on the House Intelligence Committee shortly after President Trump took office in 2017. He reportedly held discussions about revealing sensitive details related to the Trump-Russia collusion inquiries.
During a June 2023 conversation with the FBI, it was recounted that Democrats participated in a meeting led by Schiff, where the plan was to leak less classified information to portray President Trump negatively.
The whistleblower expressed firm opposition to Schiff’s proposal, noting that during the meeting participants remarked, “They won’t be caught leaking classified information.”
Later on, the whistleblower was approached again regarding leaking information to Trump and stated, “I believe this activity is unethical and offensive.”
The whistleblower eventually reached out to the FBI, although he was informed that the Justice Department would not pursue the matter further.
Investigators felt that Schiff might be shielded by a constitutional clause that protects legislators from arrest for their official actions, except in cases of severe crimes like treason.
In a June 2023 interview, the whistleblower reported that Schiff didn’t seem to acknowledge that these actions could be covered under that clause.
The whistleblower’s account first came to light through various reports, including statements by the FBI Director, asserting that they had uncovered previously classified information regarding political narratives being manipulated through leaks.
Patel, who was formerly a senior aide to the House Intelligence Committee Chairman, had circulated a memo accusing FBI officials of mishandling their authority during the Trump-Russia inquiries.
This whistleblower, who had worked with the Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee for over two decades, reportedly maintained good relations with both Democratic and Republican leaders.
An October 2017 memo from the FBI indicated that it was rumored among committee staff that whistleblowers had been dismissed for failing to show loyalty to their parties. When Republicans expressed concern, the employees indicated they had lost their jobs over the memos.
While socializing one night, the whistleblower allegedly described a system of information leaks that included discussions on which sensitive materials should be released.
It was noted that one of the key individuals involved in leaking information was a member of another intelligence committee.
In a December 2017 interview with the FBI, the whistleblower detailed how particularly sensitive documents were circulated among a select group of lawmakers and staff members, including Schiff, only to be leaked almost immediately. He also mentioned warnings about another member’s reputation for leaking confidential data.
Schiff has faced ongoing suspicions regarding classified information leaks throughout the Trump administration and has been criticized for his involvement in the Steele dossier.
This year, House Republicans moved to formally rebuke Schiff for his role in the Russia investigation as he seeks election to the Senate.
Last week, it was reported that a significant investigation was underway in Maryland concerning possible falsification of bank documents and property records by Schiff to secure better loan conditions.
He has faced accusations of several forms of fraud, including mortgage fraud and making false statements regarding different residences.
The FBI has also begun examining actions taken by former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey in relation to the Russia investigation.
The Justice Department initiated a “Strike Force” last month in response to findings from a report that addressed major errors made during the assessment that alleged Russian interference aimed at defeating Clinton.
Requests for comments from Schiff and related parties went unanswered.
