Gabbard Claims Conspiracy in Trump’s Impeachment

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently disclosed new declassified testimony that she argues demonstrates a “coordinated effort” by the intelligence community to fabricate a conspiracy used in the basis for President Donald Trump’s first impeachment.

On Monday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released two declassified recordings from closed House Intelligence Committee hearings. According to Gabbard’s office, these recordings illustrate that former Intelligence Agency Inspector General Michael Atkinson significantly advanced a whistleblower complaint based on second-hand information from an individual previously associated with then-Vice President Joe Biden in Ukraine. This, Gabbard’s team argues, indicated that Atkinson was undermining the whistleblowing process and exceeded his legal jurisdiction.

The whistleblower report, which Atkinson deemed “credible,” stemmed from Trump’s July 2019 phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which contributed to Trump’s impeachment.

Gabbard’s office stated that Atkinson “failed to adhere to established IG procedures” and relied on what they deemed a politically charged and fabricated narrative during the whistleblower investigation leading to Trump’s impeachment in 2019.

She referenced Atkinson’s covert House testimony, indicating he “aggressively pursued” the initial investigation while depending on second-hand testimony from what she called politicized witnesses. Gabbard alleged that Atkinson never conducted a thorough investigation.

In her statement, Gabbard shared Atkinson’s own words, where he acknowledged that his conclusions were drawn from a “preliminary investigation” and admitted he did not verify whether the alleged actions actually occurred.

Under federal law, the inspector general’s role is to assess whether the whistleblower’s disclosures seem credible rather than to substantiate the allegations. Atkinson has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Gabbard’s office revealed that Atkinson recognized the main whistleblower as a “registered Democrat” and that he had notified House Intelligence Committee staff prior to submitting the “Disclosure of Urgent Concerns” form.

The whistleblower also reportedly acknowledged his limited knowledge, stating he had “no direct knowledge of any private comments or communications” by Trump. Interestingly, the Whistleblower Act does not demand first-hand evidence.

Furthermore, Gabbard pointed out that one critical witness relied upon by Atkinson was also a co-author of a controversial 2017 intelligence assessment regarding Russian collusion, which Gabbard previously claimed was directed by former President Barack Obama.

Gabbard accused Atkinson of prioritizing political motivations over factual accuracy and failing to fulfill his duties to the American public.

She asserted that “Deep State actors within the intelligence community constructed a false narrative that Congress used to circumvent the will of the American people and impeach the duly elected President.” Gabbard emphasized the importance of exposing such tactics to uphold accountability and transparency in government.

In response, Democratic lawmakers have rejected Gabbard’s claims, branding the declassification as an attempt by the DNI to ingratiate with President Trump. Sen. Mark Warner criticized Gabbard, referring to her actions as a “sad attempt.” Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Himes pointed out the implications of the conversations between Trump and Zelenskiy, calling them impeachable, suggesting that had they come from Biden, the reactions would have been far more intense.

Fox News Digital has reached out to various Democratic members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees for additional comments.