California Sen. Adam Schiff (D) could face severe legal consequences if a whistleblower’s allegations of classified leaks are proven true, according to newly declassified FBI interview reports.
The claims allege that Schiff authorized the leaking of sensitive intelligence during his time as ranking member and later as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
The whistleblower, who worked with Democrats on the committee for over a decade, told the FBI starting in 2017 that Schiff directed staff to leak information “derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump” and intended the leaks “to be used to indict President Trump.”
The source told federal agents that he objected to the plan, calling it “unethical and possibly treasonous,” but was reassured that the leaks would go undetected.
The whistleblower further claimed that Schiff believed he had been promised a role as CIA Director if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) was identified as a likely conduit for the alleged leaks. The whistleblower says he was abruptly fired after reporting the issue to the FBI.
Former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman warned that, if prosecuted, Schiff could face substantial fines and prison time, per the Conservative Brief.
“The fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged,” Tolman told political commentator Benny Johnson. “Some of the punishment hinges on the purpose of the classified leak or the possession of classified documentation illegally. The purpose becomes very important.”
Tolman said the context could be critical, noting that if the leaks were part of an effort “to take down a president, to impact his ability to lead,” other statutes could apply, including conspiracy and interference with official proceedings.
While the charges may not meet the strict legal definition of treason, he said, “there are some related crimes that could come into play.”
He added that if prosecutors determined Schiff’s intent was “to undermine the United States,” penalties could reach “up to 20 years in federal prison.”
The whistleblower also criticized the FBI for failing to act on the allegations, claiming repeated reports to bureau officials, including Director Christopher Wray, went unheeded. The source stated he raised the same concerns in 2023 with the St. Louis field office, again receiving no action.
Critics say the FBI’s inaction reflects a pattern of shielding politically connected figures.
Former Trump administration official Kash Patel cited the agency’s handling of confidential informants ahead of the Jan. 6 protests as evidence of selective enforcement, claiming serious misconduct by Democrats was ignored while opponents faced aggressive scrutiny.
Schiff has not publicly responded to the new claims. In prior statements, he has denied leaking classified information and described such allegations as partisan attacks intended to discredit his oversight work.
The newly surfaced reports, if verified, could place Schiff under significant legal and political pressure. Analysts say the stakes are high: financial penalties could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars per leak, and prison sentences could stretch for decades, making the potential fallout unprecedented for a sitting senator.
The case, while still unproven, adds to a growing narrative among critics who argue that political elites have long been shielded from accountability for misconduct involving classified material. As investigations continue, the spotlight on Schiff is unlikely to fade.
