Tulsi Gabbard Denounces Allegations of Concealing Whistleblower Complaint as 'Outrageous Fabrication'
In a pointed response to allegations from Senator Mark Warner, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, firmly rejected claims that she concealed a whistleblower complaint. “Senator Warner and his allies in the media have repeatedly misled the public, asserting that I or the ODNI ‘hid’ a whistleblower complaint for eight months,” she stated on X. “This is an outrageous fabrication.”
The controversy stems from a whistleblower complaint filed with the intelligence community’s inspector general in May 2025. According to the whistleblower's attorney, Andrew Bakaj, the complaint was submitted in May, with a request to share it with Congress made in June.
Warner, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, criticized Gabbard's handling of the situation. He noted that Congress did not receive the complaint until February, and much of it was redacted. “The delay indicates either incompetence on Gabbard’s part or a failure to receive competent legal advice,” he remarked.
In her detailed rebuttal, Gabbard clarified that she has never possessed or controlled the complaint. She emphasized that the inspector general was responsible for its security for several months. “I first reviewed the complaint two weeks ago to ensure it was securely shared with Congress,” she explained.
Gabbard characterized the allegations within the complaint as baseless but acknowledged the necessity of securing it due to its classified nature. She outlined a timeline indicating her awareness of the complaint began in June, yet neither then-acting Inspector General Tamara Johnson nor current Inspector General Christopher Fox found it credible.
Olivia Coleman, press secretary for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, confirmed via email that both inspectors general deemed the complaint not credible. Gabbard stated that while she communicated with Johnson during the investigation, she was unaware of the whistleblower's intent to present the complaint to Congress.
On December 4, Gabbard was informed by Fox about the need for security guidance. “I acted promptly to provide this guidance, leading to the sharing of the complaint with Congress last week,” she noted.
Gabbard criticized Warner’s actions as politically motivated, claiming they undermine national security and mislead the American public. “His decision to propagate falsehoods for political gain is a disservice to our nation,” she asserted.
In response, Rachel Cohen, Warner’s communications director, labeled Gabbard’s statements as inaccurate and reflective of her unfitness for the DNI role. Meanwhile, Whistleblower Aid, representing the whistleblower, challenged Gabbard’s claims, stating she continues to make unfounded assertions regarding their client’s complaint.
The organization referenced a letter from June 6, 2025, indicating that Gabbard had been provided with the full complaint after a determination was made in June. They questioned what transpired in her office between June and December that led to her lack of awareness regarding the request for guidance.
Bakaj accused Gabbard of attempting to shield the complaint from Congress. “After nearly eight months of illegal actions to protect herself, it is time for Tulsi Gabbard to comply with the law and fully disclose the information to Congress,” he stated.
Coleman defended Gabbard against any wrongdoing, asserting that the whistleblower was politically motivated. Rep. Rick Crawford expressed agreement with the conclusion that the complaint lacked credibility, suggesting that media speculation aimed to tarnish Gabbard’s reputation and that of the Trump Administration.
Senator Tom Cotton also weighed in, confirming he was briefed on the complaint last week and echoed the findings of both inspectors general regarding its lack of credibility.
