WASHINGTON – Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced Tuesday that more than 100 federal employees within the intelligence community will be dismissed and stripped of their security clearances following an internal investigation into inappropriate discussions on a classified agency messaging platform.
In an interview with FOX News host Jesse Watters, Gabbard confirmed the terminations, stating that the affected individuals had participated in explicit and unprofessional conversations on the National Security Agency’s (NSA) “Intelink” messaging system.
Scope of the Investigation
Gabbard, who assumed office on February 12, issued a directive Tuesday ordering the removal of intelligence personnel found to have engaged in discussions deemed obscene and inappropriate for a secure government network.
Earlier that day, conservative activist Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, reported that a memorandum was in preparation instructing all intelligence agencies to identify individuals involved in these discussions. According to FOX News, the conversations in question reportedly included explicit exchanges regarding gender reassignment surgeries, artificial genitalia, hormone therapy, and polyamory.
DNI spokesperson Alexa Henning confirmed the decision to revoke security clearances, reinforcing that the administration views these actions as a severe breach of professional conduct.
Gabbard’s Response
In her remarks on Jesse Watters Primetime, Gabbard condemned the behavior, calling it a violation of both trust and professional standards within the intelligence community.
“There are over 100 individuals across the intelligence community who participated in these discussions—what can only be described as a blatant disregard for the integrity and professionalism expected of them,” she stated.
Gabbard further criticized the use of government platforms for inappropriate exchanges, adding, “These individuals were brazen in their misuse of an NSA system designed for professional intelligence collaboration. This kind of behavior is unacceptable.”
NSA Acknowledges Investigation
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the situation and confirming an active investigation into potential misconduct.
“IC collaboration platforms are intended to drive mission outcomes,” the statement read. “Potential misuse of these platforms by a small group of individuals does not represent the intelligence community as a whole. Investigations to address this misuse of government systems are ongoing.”
While the extent of disciplinary actions beyond termination remains unclear, Gabbard’s swift response signals a firm stance on upholding professionalism and security protocols within the intelligence community.