Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations from a Democrat whistleblower who claims Schiff authorized leaks of classified intelligence during the Trump-Russia investigation. The whistleblower, a former staffer on the House Intelligence Committee, reportedly worked with committee Democrats for over a decade and began sharing concerns with the FBI in 2017.

According to newly declassified FBI interview reports, the whistleblower alleged that Schiff directed staff to leak damaging classified information about then-President Donald Trump to the media. The stated goal, according to the source, was to generate momentum for legal action against Trump. The whistleblower said he objected to the plan, calling it unethical, but was told the leaks would not be traceable.

The whistleblower also claimed Schiff had ambitions to become CIA Director under a potential Hillary Clinton administration, and that Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) may have served as a channel for the leaks. After raising his concerns, the whistleblower said he was abruptly terminated from his role. He reportedly contacted the FBI multiple times, including a 2023 report to the bureau’s St. Louis office, but no action was taken.

Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman suggested that if charges are filed, Schiff could face steep penalties, including up to $250,000 in fines per leak and possible prison time, depending on applicable federal laws and intent. Tolman also suggested the matter could rise to the level of conspiracy if proven.

Critics of the FBI, including some Republican lawmakers, claim the agency has ignored politically sensitive misconduct and accuse Director Christopher Wray of protecting high-profile officials. They cite perceived inaction in other high-profile cases as evidence of selective enforcement.

Schiff has not responded to the most recent claims but has previously denied leaking classified material, calling such accusations politically motivated.

🚨Former US Attorney Brett Tolman says Adam Schiff could be facing 20 years in federal prison plus a $250,000 fine for every piece of Russian information he leaked to the media: 

“The fine is up to $250,000 for every, every leak that's charged. So it depends on the counts in the… pic.twitter.com/1lPIKVZFFc

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 12, 2025