Topline
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Tuesday she ordered the firing of more than 100 intelligence officers who allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations in the National Security Agency internal chat rooms.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, said she has ordered the firing of over 100 … [+]
Key Facts
In an interview with Fox News’ Jesse Watters, Gabbard said over 100 people “from across the intelligence community that contributed to and participated in what is really just an egregious violation of trust.”
The top U.S. intelligence official told Waters that the workers in question were “brazen in using an NSA platform intended for professional use to conduct this kind of really, really horrific behavior.”
Gabbard said she “put out a directive” on Tuesday ordering these workers to be terminated from their roles and have their security clearances revoked.
Right-wing activist Christopher Rufo had first reported on the matter on X earlier on Tuesday, noting that the DNI sent out a memo ordering all intelligence agencies to identify the employees involved in these chats.
Gabbard responded to Rufo’s tweet saying the memo has been sent and added: “We know who they are. Action is underway.”
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
What Is Known About These Chatroom Messages?
While Gabbard did not offer any details about what exactly was said in these messages, her spokesperson Alexa Henning said on X that the memo targets “employees who participated in the NSA’s ‘obscene, pornographic, and sexually explicit’ chatrooms.”
What Has The Nsa Said About The Messages?
In a post on X, the National Security Agency wrote: “NSA is aware of posts that appear to show inappropriate discussions by IC personnel. IC collaboration platforms are intended to drive mission outcomes. Potential misuse of these platforms by a small group of individuals does not represent the community. Investigations to address this misuse of government systems are ongoing.”
Key Background
Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Gabbard’s nomination in a 52-48 vote—mostly along party lines with Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. being the lone Republican holdout. McConnell said he voted no because of Gabbard’s “alarming lapses in judgment,” citing her stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and her past support for former NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden. Gabbard was considered one of Trump’s most controversial nominees due to her past comments defending major U.S. adversaries like Russia and the Bashar-al-Assad-led Syrian regime. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Gabbard amplified Moscow’s claims about dangerous pathogens being stored in U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine.
Further Reading
Senate Approves Gabbard As Trump’s Spy Chief—McConnell Lone GOP ‘No’ Vote (Forbes)
