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ODNI Referrals Target Whistleblower in Trump Impeachment Probe

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

ODNI submitted referrals to Justice Department on April 15, 2026, targeting the whistleblower and Michael Atkinson.
The referrals concern Trump's 2019 impeachment and allege an intelligence-community effort to spin his call with Zelenskyy.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard says Atkinson exceeded his jurisdiction and did not conduct due diligence.
The referrals reference 2019 congressional briefings and indicate possible criminal activity by former intelligence employees, and the Justice Department has not yet responded.

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Story summary

ODNI submitted referrals to Justice Department on April 15, 2026, targeting the whistleblower and Michael Atkinson.
The referrals concern Trump's 2019 impeachment and allege an intelligence-community effort to spin his call with Zelenskyy.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard says Atkinson exceeded his jurisdiction and did not conduct due diligence.
The referrals reference 2019 congressional briefings and indicate possible criminal activity by former intelligence employees, and the Justice Department has not yet responded.