U.S. authorities are currently investigating 11 new suspects in connection with unauthorized leaks of classified information to journalists, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
“Last week, I referred three cases for criminal investigation involving illegal and unauthorized leaks of classified information to the media. Eleven others are under active investigation,” Gabbard said during a routine cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump.
She also noted that, like many parts of the federal government, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) had become “severely bloated,” citing instances of waste and overreach. “Today, the ODNI is 25% smaller and leaner than when I walked through that door and you took office,” she said, addressing President Trump directly.
Gabbard highlighted that a series of streamlining measures has already saved U.S. taxpayers approximately $150 million. She further announced that the agency will soon unveil “an additional $2.6 billion in savings from programs and contracts that contribute nothing to our national security interests.”
The Trump administration has been rocked by several high-profile leaks in recent weeks. Following a series of scandals at the Department of Defense, several senior officials were ousted, including Colin Carroll (chief of staff to the undersecretary of defense), Darin Selnick (deputy chief of staff to the defense secretary), Dan Caldwell (senior advisor), and John Elliott (former department spokesperson).