Context:

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has taken decisive action to eliminate the politicization of intelligence by firing top officials at the National Intelligence Council who are accused of being opposed to Trump. Gabbard is transferring the Council from the CIA to the ODNI to increase accountability and address improper actions. She has referred several intelligence officials for prosecution due to alleged leaks of classified information to the media and is investigating additional individuals for similar breaches. Efforts are underway to dismantle non-essential offices believed to harbor 'deep state' leakers, and a task force has been established to enhance transparency and accountability within the intelligence community. Despite these efforts, the confirmation of critical intelligence nominees remains stalled, posing challenges to implementing the Trump administration's agenda.

Dive Deeper:

• Tulsi Gabbard has removed Mike Collins and Maria Langan-Riekhof from their positions at the National Intelligence Council, citing their alleged opposition to Trump and involvement in politicizing intelligence operations.

• The National Intelligence Council is being relocated from the CIA to the ODNI to ensure direct oversight and accountability, a move aimed at preventing the politicization of intelligence analysis.

• Gabbard's efforts to address leaks include referring three intelligence community professionals to the Department of Justice for prosecution over alleged leaks of classified information to major media outlets.

• An investigation is ongoing into 12 other intelligence officials suspected of leaking classified information, with recent actions including the termination of CIA detailees involved in unauthorized disclosures.

• The establishment of a new task force, the Director’s Initiative Group, is focused on rooting out politicization, preventing unauthorized disclosures, and declassifying information where it serves the public interest.

• Gabbard is also addressing internal issues, such as holding accountable those involved in inappropriate activities within the National Security Agency and pursuing further actions against unauthorized information leaks.

• The delay in confirming essential intelligence nominees is a significant hurdle, impacting the full implementation of the Trump administration's intelligence and national security agendas.