Here’s what we can say about the latest developments on that topic:
Summary: Reports in mid-April 2026 indicate that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent at least one criminal referral to the Department of Justice related to the handling of the whistleblower complaint that preceded the 2019 impeachment of President Trump. The referral reportedly targets individuals connected to the intelligence community and its oversight processes during that period. [Citation: CNN coverage of the story and multiple outlets reporting the same development][1][7]
Context you might find useful: Gabbard released documents she says show policy lapses by the intelligence community inspector general and others involved in the whistleblower episode, arguing there was a conspiracy used to justify impeachment. The DOJ was described as the appropriate body to determine if there were legal violations and to pursue any investigations.[7][1]
Current status (as of May 2026): The DOJ’s next steps were not publicly detailed in all reports, but outlets noted that a referral does not preclude other investigations or actions, and prosecutors would decide whether to open a full criminal probe.[7]
Local relevance: If you’re following national security or impeachment-era politics, this is part of a broader debate over whistleblower protections, inspector general processes, and how political incentives intersect with oversight.[1]
Quick takeaway: The story centers on a formal referral from the DNI to the DOJ and ongoing questions about potential legal violations and accountability for those involved in the 2019 impeachment narrative. For the latest confirmations or new developments, consider checking trusted outlets’ updates from this week.[1][7]
Would you like a brief timeline of the events as reported, or a digest of what the DOJ has said or done in response so far? I can also pull up direct links to the latest coverage.[7]
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.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.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.comWASHINGTON 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.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.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...
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