A Democrat whistleblower’s allegations, supported by recently declassified FBI interview summaries, have placed intense scrutiny on Sen. Adam Schiff and potentially jeopardized his political future. According to the whistleblower, Schiff authorized the leaking of classified intelligence during the Trump–Russia investigation while serving on the House Intelligence Committee. The source claims Schiff openly told staff that damaging information about President Donald Trump would be released to the media and used to support an indictment. After objecting to the plan, the whistleblower says he was dismissed and later informed federal agents, but leadership took no action.
According to his account, Schiff believed he was positioned for a top intelligence post if Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election and relied on committee allies, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, to move leaked material. The whistleblower repeated his concerns to FBI offices in both 2017 and 2023, claiming senior officials such as Director Christopher Wray ignored the reports. Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman has now outlined the possible penalties Schiff could face if prosecutors pursue charges, noting that each classified leak could carry a $250,000 fine and additional consequences depending on intent.
Tolman emphasized that the purpose and context of any alleged leak would be central in determining punishment, suggesting that prosecutors could explore conspiracy or obstruction-related charges even if treason is unlikely to apply. He warned that if investigators concluded the actions were intended to undermine the United States, sentences could reach twenty years. Critics argue the FBI’s inaction reflects a broader pattern of protecting politically connected figures while scrutinizing others. Schiff has not issued a public response to the allegations and has previously dismissed similar claims as partisan attempts to discredit his oversight work.
