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In response to a classified intelligence leak regarding U.S. strikes on Iran, the Trump administration has ordered an immediate tightening of access to sensitive materials for congressional lawmakers—sparking a fierce backlash on Capitol Hill.
According to multiple reports, an internal Defense Intelligence Agency assessment suggested the airstrikes, while impactful, only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by months—not years, as previously claimed. The leak triggered a swift response: the White House initiated an FBI investigation and significantly limited congressional access to certain high-level assessments.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, stating, “This was a top-secret intelligence analysis that very few people had access to. We are declaring war on leaks.” She emphasized the shift was meant to protect national security and prevent future breaches.
Lawmakers—particularly Democrats—are pushing back. Many view the clampdown as an overstep by the executive branch, with some accusing the administration of weaponizing secrecy to shield itself from accountability.
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, joined by Senators Adam Schiff and Andy Kim, introduced a War Powers resolution demanding congressional approval for offensive military actions. “The Constitution requires checks and balances, especially when it comes to matters of war,” Kaine said.
Critics are also seizing on the White House’s decision to cancel a classified briefing initially scheduled for lawmakers. The session, meant to discuss the Iran strikes in detail, was delayed to accommodate Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who are attending a NATO summit in Europe.
Representative Adam Schiff was among those skeptical of the official explanation. “The delay is unacceptable,” he said. “Congress has a right to know what happened, especially before these decisions are made—not after.”
Within Republican circles, there’s a quiet split. While some support the administration’s effort to safeguard sensitive data, others are privately expressing concern that the current posture could erode congressional oversight.
The FBI is now leading an internal investigation to identify the source of the leak, which officials say originated from a highly restricted report. For now, lawmakers may have to navigate national security matters with far less access than they’re used to—and
