A report claiming the CIA conducted a raid on Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard’s office sparked widespread discussion on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, only to be walked back after clarification from Gabbard’s team.
The story gained traction after Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) appeared on NewsNation and stated that the CIA had gone to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to pull documents.
Rep. Luna Said CIA Took Files Regarding MK Ultra and JFK Assassination
Fox News host Jesse Watters later amplified the narrative, describing the incident as a CIA raid on Gabbard’s office. However, Gabbard’s office has since debunked the characterization of a raid.
Fox News Wrongfully Reported That Gabbard’s Office Was Raided
According to a senior Trump administration official who spoke exclusively with me, the actual events unfolded differently. Last fall, the CIA did visit the ODNI to retrieve certain documents. The official emphasized there was no raid.The visit is part of a broader, year-long standoff between the CIA and the ODNI. The official said the CIA has been blocking the transfer of specific responsive documents to Gabbard’s team. Among the materials the source believes are being withheld are documents related to COVID-19.
Gabbard’s team has requested documents, and responsive materials are being blocked, the official said.
The tensions highlight ongoing friction between intelligence agencies as the Trump administration works to gain access to sensitive records. No further details on the specific documents or the reasons for any delays have been publicly released by either agency.
I have reached out to Gabbard’s team for comment on this matter.
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