Recently declassified FBI interview records have brought renewed attention to allegations that Senator Adam Schiff permitted the disclosure of classified information during the peak of the Trump–Russia investigation.
As per documents acquired by Just The News, an anonymous whistleblower — characterized as a Democratic intelligence officer who served on the House Intelligence Committee — consistently informed the FBI from 2017 to 2023 that Schiff authorized the leaking of classified information to politically undermine then-President Donald Trump. During this period, Schiff held the position of the ranking House Democrat on the committee and subsequently ascended to the role of chairman.
The whistleblower claimed that Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell from California was probably the primary source of the leaks, which they asserted were intended to promote the so-called “Russiagate” narrative.
“While serving in this role, [redacted staffer’s name] was summoned to an all-staff meeting by SCHIFF,” one summary from an FBI interview indicates. “During this meeting, SCHIFF asserted that the group would disclose classified information that was damaging to the President of the United States, DONALD J. TRUMP. SCHIFF mentioned that this information would be utilized to prosecute President TRUMP.”
Swalwell has refuted any such suggestion and has questioned the integrity of FBI Director Kash Patel.
Baseless smear by Kash Patel. Inspector General already smacked down Trump’s investigation of me and Schiff from 2017.
Not a shocker, though, as Kash put Schiff and I at top of his enemies list. He thinks he will silence us. He won’t. https://t.co/oz6FixIZpe
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) August 12, 2025
The whistleblower informed agents that Schiff had been assured the role of CIA Director contingent upon Hillary Clinton’s victory in the 2016 presidential election. Although that assurance did not come to fruition following Clinton’s defeat, the whistleblower asserts that Schiff persisted in advocating for leaks intended to weaken Trump’s presidency.
The same source asserted that they personally observed Schiff endorsing such leaks and expressed their concerns to federal authorities. Nevertheless, as per the declassified records, officials from the Justice Department exhibited minimal interest in investigating Schiff’s purported actions. The whistleblower states that they were suddenly dismissed from their role after notifying the FBI.
These recent public allegations seem to align with previous reports from conservative media sources like The Gateway Pundit, which has consistently reported on Schiff’s media disclosures throughout the Trump–Russia investigation.
The accusations took on a new aspect on Monday when investigative journalist Paul Sperry from RealClearInvestigations proposed that Schiff’s disclosures might have been directed to Washington Post national security reporter Ellen Nakashima. Sperry referenced previous reports that characterized Nakashima as a significant media liaison for high-ranking intelligence officials, including former CIA Director John Brennan, in the initial stages of the Russiagate affair.
DEVELOPING: Ellen Nakashima, the Washington Post’s handmaiden for the deep state, is now showing up in FBI 302s as the likely key recipient of classified intelligence leaks from Adam Schiff regarding Russiagate https://t.co/5DWCIlh25f
— Paul Sperry (@paulsperry_) August 12, 2025
Declassified documents examined by Sperry reveal that Brennan and other intelligence officials utilized Nakashima to disseminate at least three significant news articles concerning the Russia investigation. These articles, released between 2016 and 2017, contributed to the public belief that Trump’s campaign was under considerable scrutiny for collusion with Moscow — a narrative that endured for years, even though Special Counsel Robert Mueller ultimately determined that there was insufficient evidence of a criminal conspiracy.
Critics contend that should Schiff have indeed sanctioned the release of classified information to the media, it would constitute a significant violation of national security and possibly a criminal act. The activities of the Intelligence Committee frequently entail access to extremely sensitive information, and its members are legally obligated to safeguard classified data from unauthorized exposure.
While this is only the unverified allegation of a single former staffer, the alleged conduct would involve criminal and unethical conduct of the highest order, if proven… https://t.co/rXROc6aQW2
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) August 12, 2025
To date, Schiff’s office has not provided a public response regarding the most recent allegations. Previously, he has refuted claims of leaking classified information, asserting that his detractors are trying to undermine valid oversight of the Trump administration.
The disclosures further highlight enduring partisan conflicts regarding the utilization of intelligence and law enforcement authorities during the 2016 election and its subsequent events.
It remains uncertain whether the recent disclosures will lead to any formal charges. At present, the most shocking accusation is that the decision to leak classified information was not made by a rogue staff member, but rather, as stated by the whistleblower, was explicitly sanctioned during a committee-wide meeting chaired by Schiff himself. If proven true, this allegation could carry substantial legal and political consequences, especially considering Schiff’s current position as a U.S. senator.
