Schiff leak allegations demand heightened DOJ scrutiny, experts say

Published August 14, 2025 9:21am ET



Newly declassified FBI files and whistleblower testimony outlining damning claims that Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in 2017 authorized leaks of classified information to damage President Donald Trump should trigger renewed investigative scrutiny, according to legal experts and former federal prosecutors.

The alleged conduct against the then-California representative was brought to light as part of a declassified 302 FBI document by Director Kash Patel on Monday, and while the name of the person being interviewed was redacted, it appeared to be an individual-turned-whistleblower, a male Democrat who sat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. If the matter is brought into an investigation by the Trump administration’s Justice Department, it holds the potential to expose the former committee chairman to multiple felony counts and a lengthy prison sentence.

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