Senator Schiff is under scrutiny after newly declassified reports indicate that a longtime Democratic staffer on the House Intelligence Committee alleges Schiff authorised leaks of classified intelligence during the Trump–Russia investigation. According to FBI interview summaries, beginning in 2017 the staffer claims Schiff told committee members that “the group would leak classified information derogatory to President Trump” and that this information could be used to “indict” him. The whistleblower also alleges that Eric Swalwell acted as a conduit for those leaks and that Schiff believed he would become CIA Director had Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election.
The whistleblower reports that when he raised concerns — calling the scheme “unethical and possibly treasonous” — he was dismissed from his position for what was described as a lack of party loyalty. He further claims repeated contacts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation going back to 2017 and even in 2023, yet little action was taken by prosecutors. Meanwhile, past critiques warn that leaking classified information can carry serious penalties (fines up to $250,000 per count and up to 20 years in prison if intentional and harmful to the United States).
Schiff has vehemently denied the allegations—his office calls them “categorically false.” He argues that the complaints stem from a “disgruntled former staffer” whose credibility the committee’s and intelligence community’s inspectors have questioned. Despite this denial, the scandal poses serious risks to Schiff’s standing. If investigators were to determine the leaks were authorised and aimed at political purposes rather than legitimate oversight, it could undermine his credibility, raise questions about abuse of power, and jeopardize his future in leadership roles.
In short, the allegations raise two core issues for Schiff’s political future: first, whether he authorised improper use of classified material for partisan aims; second, whether the Justice Department and FBI’s past inaction signals that powerful figures are shielded from accountability. The outcome may determine whether Schiff’s career proceeds unscathed or is derailed.
