DNI Gabbard Refers Former Inspector General and Whistleblower to DOJ Over 2019 Trump Impeachment

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has submitted criminal referrals to the Department of Justice concerning former Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson and the whistleblower whose complaint led to President Donald Trump's 2019 impeachment. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) confirmed the referrals, stating they pertain to "one or more former employees of the Intelligence Community and their role in the 2019 impeachment of President Trump."

The whistleblower's complaint, deemed credible by Atkinson at the time, alleged that President Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate political rival Joe Biden. This led to Trump's impeachment by the House of Representatives in December 2019; he was later acquitted by the Senate.

Gabbard's referrals follow the release of declassified documents she claims reveal a "coordinated effort" within the Intelligence Community to "manufacture a conspiracy" that served as the basis for the impeachment.

The Justice Department will evaluate the referrals to determine whether to initiate a formal investigation. The specific criminal statutes cited in the referrals have not been disclosed.

Atkinson has not publicly responded to the referrals. A former Justice Department official, speaking anonymously, described Atkinson as "an exceedingly careful and thoughtful attorney and public servant," expressing skepticism about any alleged wrongdoing.

The identity of the whistleblower remains undisclosed. The ODNI's actions have reignited discussions about the events leading to the 2019 impeachment and the roles played by various intelligence officials.