🕵️Gabbard Demanded Spy Data to Drive Trumps Next Moves

National Security
Ethics & Government Accountability
Public Policy

Tulsi Gabbard’s team asked the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s secret unit for raw spy data and threat assessments to back Donald Trump’s policy goals. They tried to skip the usual vetting by analysts at the CIA and FBI, aiming to pull intelligence findings straight into Trump’s playbook. This move shines a light on how easily a president’s circle can twist independent spy work to score political points — and how weak current checks are at stopping it.

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Key Takeaways

  • Gabbard’s office bypassed CIA and FBI analysts to get raw intelligence from ODNI’s private unit, exposing a shortcut that opens the door to political manipulation.
  • Congress created the Director’s Initiative Group but left it under the DNI’s control—only lawmakers on the intel committees can tighten rules and demand transparency.
  • Nonpartisan analysis matters: when one side controls the data flow, they can spin threats to justify policies you’ll pay for with your taxes.
  • You can call your senator or representative on the Intelligence Committees right now and urge them to schedule oversight hearings on the Director’s Initiative Group.
  • Join watchdog groups pushing for a law that bans any president’s team from accessing raw intelligence without a bipartisan sign-off.

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Why This Matters

Politicians twist spy data

When lawmakers pick and choose raw intelligence, they ignore real dangers and threaten your family’s safety both here at home and abroad.

Billions at stake every year

We spend about $85 billion on intelligence, but when politics drives the agenda, some of that money props up partisan talking points instead of protecting us.

Trust in intelligence is slipping

68% of Americans already doubt spy agencies stay neutral, and every political stunt chips away at the confidence we need in those keeping us safe.

Mistakes cost real money

Shaky intelligence leaves us footing steep bills—like the 2011 Libya operation, which blew past budget by $1.2 billion and still left security gaps.

You can make them listen

Your tax dollars pay for everything from defense to schools and healthcare. Ask your reps on the Intelligence Committees to hold real hearings and keep politics out of our security so funds go where they matter most.

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