Recently unsealed FBI documents have reignited controversy around Senator Adam Schiff, suggesting that during the peak of the Trump-Russia investigation, one of his staffers — possibly with Schiff’s knowledge or approval — leaked classified information with the aim of politically damaging then-President Donald Trump.
The revelations stem from newly released FBI interview summaries dating from 2017 to 2023. They include testimony from a confidential whistleblower described as a Democratic staffer with intelligence credentials, who worked directly under Schiff on the House Intelligence Committee during his tenure as ranking member and later as chairman.
Allegations of Coordinated Leaks
According to the whistleblower’s account, committee staff members — under Schiff’s direction — discussed how to selectively disclose classified information to the media. The goal, according to the interview summaries, was to support the narrative that Trump’s 2016 campaign had improper ties to Russian officials.
One interview summary states:
“While working in this role, [REDACTED] was summoned to an all-hands meeting by SCHIFF. During this meeting, SCHIFF said the team would leak classified intel that portrayed President DONALD J. TRUMP in a negative light. He said the materials would support efforts to charge Trump.”
The documents also implicate Representative Eric Swalwell, another Democrat on the committee, as a suspected source of classified leaks to journalists. Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as politically motivated attacks and criticizing the process as being driven by partisan actors, including FBI Director Kash Patel.
Whistleblower Claims Promise of CIA Role
Perhaps the most explosive claim is that Schiff allegedly promised the whistleblower a senior intelligence post — specifically, Director of the CIA — if Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election. Though the position never materialized due to Clinton’s loss, the whistleblower claims Schiff continued to push for the release of sensitive information to “undermine Trump’s legitimacy.”
The whistleblower says they directly witnessed Schiff greenlighting at least one classified leak. After attempting to report these actions through official channels, the whistleblower alleges they were fired, and the Justice Department showed little interest in investigating the matter.
No Charges, But Scrutiny Grows
Despite the seriousness of the claims, FBI records show that no criminal investigation was launched. The Justice Department’s lack of action has sparked criticism from political commentators who accuse the agency of applying double standards when it comes to classified information.
Sources familiar with congressional intelligence procedures noted that members of oversight committees often operate in a legal gray area, especially when briefing the media. Proving intent behind leaks — whether accidental or deliberate — remains a significant hurdle.
One retired intelligence official commented anonymously:
“Disclosures happen more often than the public realizes. The hard part is proving whether it was a mistake, politically driven, or something else entirely.”
Media Links and Journalist Involvement
Investigative reporter Paul Sperry of RealClearInvestigations added another layer to the story, claiming that the leaks from Schiff’s office were directed toward specific journalists, including Ellen Nakashima of The Washington Post. Nakashima, a respected national security reporter, has been linked in past reporting to intelligence sources like former CIA Director John Brennan.
Neither Schiff’s office nor Nakashima has publicly addressed the claims. Press advocates caution against assumptions about reporters’ sources based solely on declassified interviews, noting that such leaks — while politically uncomfortable — aren’t necessarily illegal.
Partisan Reactions Intensify
The FBI files have deepened partisan divides in Washington. Trump allies have seized on the documents as proof that Schiff misused his position for political purposes during the Russia probe and impeachment proceedings.
“This confirms what we’ve suspected — that some lawmakers used classified info for political warfare,” a senior GOP aide stated.
Democrats, on the other hand, argue that the whistleblower’s claims are recycled and lack corroboration. They note that despite years of circulation, no charges or concrete evidence have emerged.
“These are old accusations dressed up as something new,” said a Democratic committee staffer. “If there was anything to them, it would have been prosecuted by now.”
Not Schiff’s First Rodeo with Leak Allegations
This isn’t the first time Schiff has been accused of leaking. During Trump’s presidency, he was frequently criticized by Republicans for allegedly feeding classified or sensitive material to the press. In 2018, Trump labeled him “one of the biggest leakers in Washington,” though no proof was provided.
The current documents may revive those accusations, but legal experts remind the public that FBI interview summaries do not equate to verified conclusions. Allegations — even detailed ones — require independent evidence to be substantiated.
Calls for Full Disclosure
Republicans like Senator Josh Hawley are now calling for all related FBI interview documents to be made public, arguing that transparency is essential.
“If the claims are real, the public deserves the truth. And if they’re false, Schiff deserves to clear his name,” Hawley said.
As of now, Schiff has not issued a public statement. His office declined to comment. The Department of Justice has also not indicated whether it will reexamine the matter.
Conclusion
The declassified FBI materials have reopened debates over political motives, the handling of classified information, and congressional accountability during the Trump-Russia investigation era.
Whether this leads to renewed scrutiny or simply fades into Washington’s long history of partisan clashes remains to be seen.
