Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) is at the center of explosive new allegations following the release of declassified FBI documents that reportedly detail his direct involvement in authorizing the leak of classified information during the Trump presidency.
The claims come from a whistleblower identified as a longtime Democratic staff member on the House Intelligence Committee. The whistleblower’s account appears in an FBI 302 report, now public after declassification by FBI Director Kash Patel, as highlighted in several posts circulating on social media.
According to the documents — first obtained by Just The News and now in the hands of Congress — the whistleblower told the FBI he attended a 2017 all-staff meeting where Schiff explicitly gave the go-ahead to leak classified material. The information was allegedly aimed at damaging then-President Donald Trump amid the frenzy over claims of Russian election interference, which have since been widely discredited.
The staffer, who worked for House Democrats for more than a decade, described the order as “treasonous,” “illegal,” and “unethical.” He also claimed that when he voiced his objections at the meeting, other attendees brushed them aside, assuring him they would not get caught.
“When working in this capacity, [redacted staffer’s name] was called to an all-staff meeting by SCHIFF,” the FBI report states, “and SCHIFF gave the go-ahead for the leak.”
These details — already drawing sharp reactions online from investigative journalists and political commentators — suggest Schiff knowingly approved the release of protected intelligence at a time when he was one of the most prominent public advocates for the Trump-Russia narrative.
The whistleblower’s interviews with the FBI reportedly continued into 2023, further documenting his concerns over the leak. Lawmakers now have the report and are weighing possible next steps, including a formal investigation or other disciplinary measures.
This is not the first time Schiff’s handling of sensitive intelligence has drawn criticism. As chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, he faced repeated accusations from Republicans of selectively leaking or withholding classified information for partisan advantage. His leadership during the first impeachment of Trump in 2019 — driven by the Ukraine whistleblower complaint — cemented his reputation as one of Trump’s fiercest opponents in Congress.
Now a U.S. senator from California, Schiff has yet to issue a public statement in response to the whistleblower’s claims or the newly released FBI documents. The allegations, however, are already fueling calls for accountability.
Commentary on X (formerly Twitter) from political figures and investigative reporters underscores the seriousness of the claims. Several posts point out that this is the first time such specific, documented allegations about Schiff’s role in a classified leak have been made public. Others argue that if confirmed, the revelations could have major implications for congressional oversight of intelligence.
The declassification comes as part of a broader release of materials related to the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation and the conduct of congressional leaders during that period. Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who also authorized earlier disclosures, have both said the releases are intended to promote transparency about the actions of top government officials.
As members of Congress review the whistleblower’s testimony and the FBI’s documentation, pressure is building for an inquiry into Schiff’s actions. Supporters of the declassification say it is essential for the public to see the evidence for themselves, while critics warn that such revelations further erode trust in the intelligence community’s political neutrality.
For now, the matter rests with lawmakers — but given the political stakes, it is unlikely to stay quiet for long.
