An internal memo has emerged that casts doubt on Democratic lawmakers’ accusations against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The memo contradicts claims that her personnel changes within the Intelligence Community Inspector General’s (ICIG) office violated federal law or threatened watchdog independence.
Democrats argue Gabbard improperly inserted her senior adviser, Dennis Kirk, into the ICIG while he continued reporting to her. They also claim she unlawfully dismissed Acting General Counsel Stephanie McDonald. The letter asserts Gabbard’s actions “compromise the ICIG’s independence” and violate oversight laws enacted in 2010.
However, the internal memo frames those personnel moves as corrections aimed at “weeding out politicization,” rather than illegal interference. Official sources suggest the ICIG office was aligned with partisan interests and resistant to post‑Trump reforms. The memo states that McDonald’s removal followed internal disputes over Kirk’s appointment—not a unilateral dismissal.
Gabbard’s supporters say the changes reinforce integrity and independence in the ICIG office. Critics maintain any official with loyalties outside the inspector general’s chain of command undermines neutrality. The controversy reflects the broader tension over politicizing oversight—the same issue seen in the leaked emails on intelligence assessments involving the Tren de Aragua gang.
Congressional calls led by Rep. Stephen Lynch emphasize the need to preserve IG autonomy. However, Democrats currently lack sufficient votes to enforce compliance. Gabbard denies politicization, saying the ICIG office under its former leadership had failed in its watchdog duties.
