Here’s what I can share based on the latest reporting I can access.
Core answer
- There have been reports that the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, sent at least one criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice related to the handling of the whistleblower complaint that preceded Trump’s 2019 impeachment. The referrals, according to CNN and multiple local outlets, target individuals within the intelligence community and seek DOJ review of possible legal issues connected to the impeachment process.[1][2][9]
Context and what the referrals involve
- Gabbard released documents she says show missteps or policy violations by the intelligence watchdog involved in the 2019 impeachment process, and she described the referral as a conduit for DOJ evaluation of potential legal parameters. The Defense/Executive branches are described as evaluating whether any laws were broken and whether a full investigation is warranted.[3][1]
- The DOJ has not publicly announced opening a formal investigation as of the latest reports; several outlets note the question is whether a full criminal probe will be launched following the referral.[4][8]
What this means going forward
- If the DOJ opens a formal investigation, it would involve reviewing the whistleblower complaint and the handling by the intelligence community inspector general, along with any related testimony or documents released by Gabbard’s office. Otherwise, the referral could be referred to further review within DOJ without triggering an immediate probe.[9][1]
- Coverage attributes the story to CNN as the initial breaker, with corroboration across other local outlets citing the same CNN reporting.[2][9]
Key points to monitor
- DOJ response: whether a formal investigation is opened, and whether charges are pursued or if the matter is closed.
- Scope of referrals: which individuals or offices are named or implicated, and what specific laws or violations are being examined.
- Official statements: any confirmations or clarifications from Gabbard’s office, ODNI, or DOJ in the days following the referrals.[1][9]
Would you like a brief timeline of the main developments, or a one-page summary with the key players and potential legal implications? I can also pull the most recent updates from additional outlets if you want.[9]
Sources
By Zachary Cohen, Evan Perez, Sean Lyngaas, CNN (CNN) — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent at least one criminal referral to the Justice Department seeking investigations of a whistleblower complaint and its handling by the intelligence community watchdog that led to the 2019 impeachment of President Donald Trump, a spokesperson for Gabbard’s office
kioncentralcoast.comApril 15, 2026, 10: 41 PM ET — tulsi gabbard has asked the Justice Department to investigate two former government officials tied to President Donald Trump’s first impeachment inquiry. A spokesperson for her office confirmed the criminal referrals but did not identify the specific crimes alleged. The decision on whether to open a criminal investigation …
www.el-balad.comBy Zachary Cohen, Evan Perez, Sean Lyngaas, CNN (CNN) — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent at least one criminal referral to the Justice Department seeking investigations of a whistleblower complaint and its handling by the intelligence community watchdog that led to the 2019 impeachment of President Donald Trump, a spokesperson for Gabbard’s office
abc17news.comThe Office of the Director of National Intelligence sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department for the whistleblower whose complaint helped trigger President Donald Trump’s 2019 impeachment and for the former intelligence community inspector general who notified Congress of the allegations, Fox News Digital has learned.
www.fox26houston.comBy Zachary Cohen, Evan Perez, Sean Lyngaas, CNN (CNN) — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent at least one criminal referral to the Justice Department seeking investigations of a whistleblower complaint and its handling by the intelligence community watchdog that led to the 2019 impeachment of President Donald Trump, a spokesperson for Gabbard’s office
ktvz.comBy Zachary Cohen, Evan Perez, Sean Lyngaas, CNN (CNN) — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent at least one criminal referral to the
keyt.comDirector of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department targeting two former officials central to the first impeachment of President Donald Trump.The referrals involve the unnamed whistleblower and...
jang.com.pkWASHINGTON DC -- Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent at least one criminal referral to the Justice Department seeking investigations of a whistleblower complaint and its handling by the intelligence community watchdog that led to the 2019 impeachment of President Donald Trump, a spokesperson for Gabbard’s office confirmed Wednesday.
www.abc57.com