The secret whistleblower complaint that the acting director of national intelligence has refused to hand over to Congress involves President Donald Trump’s “communications with a foreign leader,” The Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing two former U.S. officials familiar with the complaint.
The officials said Trump’s interaction with the foreign leader, whose identity was not disclosed, included a “promise” made by the president that was regarded as concerning by the intelligence official who filed a formal whistleblower complaint with the intelligence community inspector general.
The officials said Trump’s interaction with the foreign leader, whose identity was not disclosed, included a “promise” made by the president that was regarded as concerning by the intelligence official who filed a formal whistleblower complaint with the intelligence community inspector general.
“A Director of National Intelligence has never prevented a properly submitted whistleblower complaint that the [intelligence community’s inspector general] determined to be credible and urgent from being provided to the congressional intelligence committees. Never,” Schiff said in a statement.
“This raises serious concerns about whether White House, Department of Justice or other executive branch officials are trying to prevent a legitimate whistleblower complaint from reaching its intended recipient, the Congress, in order to cover up serious misconduct,” he added.
“This raises serious concerns about whether White House, Department of Justice or other executive branch officials are trying to prevent a legitimate whistleblower complaint from reaching its intended recipient, the Congress, in order to cover up serious misconduct,” he added.
I wonder which foreign leader Trump made a "promise" to that spooked someone so much they filed a whistleblower complaint.
July 31st: Trump calls Putin about "Siberia's wildfires".
August 7: Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman announces resignation.
August 8: Dan Coats removed as Director of National Intelligence, deputy director Sue Gordon also resigns. Trump names Joseph Maguire acting Director of National Intelligence.
August 12: whistleblower send complaint to ICIG about Trump making a "promise" to a foreign leader.
August 24: Trump wants G7 to readmit Russia.
August 28: Trump delays military aid to Ukraine.
Sept 2: Deadline for forwarding whistleblower complaint to congressional intelligence committees. Macguire does not, Intelligence Community Inspector General ends up writing a letter to the intelligence committees about the whistleblower complaint.
Sept 10: House Intelligence Committe chairman Adam Schiff sends letter to Maguire demanding information about whistleblower complaint.
Sept 10: John Bolton resigns.
Sept. 12: Trump backs down on withholding military aid to Ukraine.
Sept 13: Office of the Director of National Intelligence general counsel Klitenic sends letter to Schiff saying that after consulting with the Justice Department it was determined the complaint wasn't an "urgent concern" and “does not allege misconduct within the Intelligence Community.” (It alleges misconduct by the President instead.)
Sept 13: Adam Schiff issues subpoena to Maguire demanding he provide the whistleblower complaint.
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