Freshly declassified FBI documents, alongside testimony from a veteran Democratic whistleblower, allege that Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) authorized the release of sensitive intelligence during the Trump–Russia probe in an effort to politically damage former President Donald Trump.
According to the whistleblower, Schiff allegedly instructed his staff to funnel damaging information about Trump to the press and even suggested Rep. Eric Swalwell could serve as a key channel for the leaks. The reports also claim Schiff believed he might be rewarded with the position of CIA Director had Hillary Clinton secured the presidency in 2016.
If prosecutors were to take up the case and the allegations were substantiated, Schiff could be hit with staggering penalties — fines of up to $250,000 per leak and prison sentences of up to 20 years. Such repercussions would almost certainly derail his political ambitions.
Critics are also questioning the FBI’s handling of the matter, arguing the agency brushed aside repeated warnings from the whistleblower for years. That inaction, they say, casts doubt on the bureau’s ability to remain neutral in politically charged investigations.
