A Democrat whistleblower’s allegations—supported by newly declassified FBI interview reports—now threaten to upend the political career of Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). The whistleblower, a longtime Democratic staffer on the House Intelligence Committee, told the FBI beginning in 2017 that Schiff authorized leaking classified intelligence to damage then-President Donald Trump during the Trump–Russia investigation. He claimed Schiff declared in an all-staff meeting that the committee would leak derogatory classified material to help indict Trump. When the whistleblower objected that such conduct was “unethical and possibly treasonous,” he says he was reassured the group would not be caught. He also alleged Schiff expected to be named CIA director if Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election and identified Rep. Eric Swalwell as a likely conduit for leaks before he was fired after approaching the FBI.
Despite the seriousness of the claims, the whistleblower says FBI leadership, including Director Christopher Wray, did nothing, repeating the same account again to agents in 2023. Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman warned that if prosecutors pursue the case, Schiff could face steep financial and criminal penalties. Each classified leak could carry a fine of up to $250,000, with punishment influenced by the purpose and context of the disclosure.
Tolman said prosecutors could consider conspiracy statutes or charges related to interference with official proceedings, noting that while treason is unlikely, related offenses may apply. If authorities determine there was intent “to undermine the United States,” penalties could reach up to 20 years in federal prison. Schiff has not publicly responded to the new allegations, though he has previously denied leaking classified information, calling such accusations partisan attempts to discredit his oversight work.