Whistleblower Accuses Sen. Adam Schiff of Orchestrating Leaks of Classified Information

Newly released FBI interview documents are drawing renewed scrutiny toward Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), following serious accusations made by a longtime Democratic staffer turned whistleblower. The allegations, if proven true, could have significant legal and political consequences for the California senator, who rose to national prominence during the Trump–Russia investigation.

The whistleblower, who reportedly worked for over a decade on the House Intelligence Committee under Democratic leadership, claims that Schiff directly authorized the release of classified information to the media during his tenure as ranking member and later chairman of the committee. These alleged leaks, the whistleblower says, were intended to politically damage then-President Donald Trump.

According to the whistleblower’s testimony, the controversial instructions were given during an all-staff meeting around 2017. At that time, Schiff allegedly told committee staffers that classified material unfavorable to Trump would be leaked to the press and used to build a case for criminal charges. The whistleblower said he raised immediate ethical and legal objections, calling the plan potentially “treasonous.” However, he was allegedly told by colleagues that “we would not be caught.”

The staffer further alleges that Schiff’s motivations may have been influenced by political ambitions, claiming that Schiff believed he would be appointed CIA Director if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 presidential election. The whistleblower also implicated Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) as a possible intermediary in disseminating classified information. After attempting to report these claims to the FBI, the whistleblower said he was abruptly terminated from his position.

He first approached the FBI in 2017 and claims to have provided the same information to agents in subsequent interviews, including as recently as 2023. Despite the severity of the allegations, he contends that FBI leadership, including Director Christopher Wray, took no action. Critics argue this fits a pattern of selective enforcement within the Bureau, suggesting a reluctance to pursue cases involving powerful political figures.

Legal experts have weighed in on the potential implications. Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman recently discussed the issue in an interview with political commentator Benny Johnson, warning that if the whistleblower’s claims lead to formal charges, Schiff could face severe legal penalties.

Tolman noted that each instance of leaking classified information can carry a fine of up to $250,000, depending on how many counts a potential indictment includes. Beyond the financial consequences, prison time is also a possibility. “Some of the punishment hinges on the purpose of the classified leak or the possession of classified documentation illegally,” Tolman said. “The purpose becomes very important.”

He went on to explain that if prosecutors determine the alleged leaks were part of a coordinated effort to destabilize a sitting president or obstruct government functions, other charges — such as conspiracy or interference with official proceedings — could be brought. While Tolman acknowledged that the legal threshold for treason may not be met, he emphasized that related statutes still carry significant penalties.

“If there’s proof of intent to undermine the United States, that could lead to charges with sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison,” Tolman added.

Critics of the FBI’s handling of the matter, including former Trump official Kash Patel, argue that the Bureau has a track record of protecting politically connected individuals while aggressively pursuing others. Patel has cited prior instances — including the agency’s reported use of informants before the January 6th protests — as evidence that the FBI selectively applies justice based on political interests.

As of now, Sen. Schiff has not responded publicly to the renewed allegations. In past statements, he has consistently denied leaking classified information and dismissed such claims as partisan attempts to discredit his work. Throughout his career, Schiff has positioned himself as a central figure in congressional oversight of intelligence matters, particularly during the investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Whether the whistleblower’s allegations will lead to a formal investigation or criminal charges remains to be seen. However, the controversy adds to the ongoing debate over accountability and transparency within both Congress and the intelligence community. As political and legal observers await further developments, the case highlights the tensions between national security, political power, and the rule of law.