WASHINGTON – Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the termination of over 100 employees from the U.S. intelligence community for misusing a secure government communication tool designed for sharing sensitive information. The platform, managed by the National Security Administration, was allegedly used for sexually explicit conversations, violating professional standards.
Calling the misuse an “egregious violation of trust,” Gabbard stated in a Fox News interview on February 25 that the involved employees would also have their security clearances revoked. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining integrity within intelligence agencies, noting, “I put out a directive today that they will all be terminated.”
The incident was first reported by conservative activist Chris Rufo on February 25. In response, a spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence confirmed that Gabbard issued a memo directing all intelligence agencies to identify the participants by February 28.
The dismissals are part of a broader effort to enforce ethical standards within the intelligence community. Additionally, the administration has recently targeted employees who led diversity initiatives under the Biden administration, though this move is currently under judicial review for legality.