Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has launched an investigation into allegations that intelligence agencies concealed evidence of foreign election threats during the 2020 election cycle, including claims involving China and Venezuela, according to unclassified memos reviewed by Just the News.
The documents show Gabbard’s now-disbanded Director’s Initiative Group learned of whistleblower allegations during a broader review conducted last year, including claims that intelligence officials downplayed or omitted information about Chinese election interference from final assessments, congressional briefings, and the President’s Daily Brief. The material was recently referred to Intelligence Community Inspector General Christopher Fox for further review and possible declassification.
The memos allege the National Intelligence Council concluded in 2020 that China had accessed multiple state voter registration databases, with estimates ranging from 12 to 18 states, far beyond what was previously disclosed publicly. Former national intelligence cyber officer Christopher Porter reportedly raised internal concerns about how intelligence related to China’s activities was handled.
The memos also cite concerns involving Venezuela-linked election infrastructure and allege some intelligence officials withheld, de-emphasized, or omitted foreign interference findings because they believed public disclosure could politically benefit President Trump.
Emails cited in the memos reportedly show efforts to alter briefing materials intended for President Trump and pressure CIA analysts to revise records connected to discussions about Chinese election interference.
A previously uncovered 2020 raw intelligence report alleging China produced fraudulent U.S. driver’s licenses intended to facilitate fraudulent mail-in voting for then-candidate Joe Biden was later recalled, with agencies instructed to delete the information before a full investigation was conducted.
Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe stated in early 2021 that intelligence analysts faced political pressure regarding assessments of Chinese interference efforts. A report submitted to the Senate Intelligence Committee by intelligence ombudsman Barry Zulauf concluded some analysts appeared reluctant to elevate evidence tied to China because of disagreements with Trump administration policies.
