Recent developments have revealed a significant rift within US national security agencies, highlighted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) resistance to a proposed expansion of Oversight Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) Tulsi Gabbard's authority over counterintelligence operations. A letter from the FBI to Congress, which has been made public by the New York Times, "strongly" opposes the proposal, pointing to potential threats to national security.
The bureau's concerns were amplified by FBI Director Kash Patel's endorsement of the letter, which was sent unsigned to lawmakers. In the letter, Patel explicitly "vigorously disagrees with" the expansion plan, advising that it could inflict "serious and long-lasting damage to US national security." This stance from the FBI seems to stem from fears that centralizing counterintelligence authority could compromise operational integrity.
In response to the FBI's letter, Gabbard's office released a joint statement with the bureau, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening counterintelligence efforts. "The ODNI and the FBI are united in working with Congress to protect the safety, security, and freedom of the American people," stated Gabbard's spokesperson.
This interagency dispute was further illuminated by an intelligence official's comments to the Daily Mail, describing the FBI's actions as a preventative measure in reaction to an ODNI process document that is a part of regular interagency coordination. The House proposition in question sought to place nearly all counterintelligence functions under Gabbard's purview, a move that has evidently caused alarm within the intelligence community.
Adding to the internal conflict, Indiana Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic senior member of the Intelligence Committee, publicly criticized the plan, labeling it as "misguided" and expressing concern over the proposed expansion of Gabbard's office. Since Gabbard assumed her role, she has dissolved key units, including those focused on election security and the National Intelligence University.
Tensions escalated when Joe Kent, a close ally of Gabbard and the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, initiated an investigation into the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kent's decision to access FBI files to explore possible foreign involvement in Kirk's murder led to a clash with the bureau. Patel intervened, closing down the investigation on the grounds that Kent exceeded his authority by using FBI resources on an active case.
This move resulted in a tense meeting involving Patel, Kent, Gabbard, Vice President J.D. Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and senior officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Kent defended his actions, asserting the importance of following leads to safeguard national security.
The situation has since sparked a complex dialogue within the conservative community. Some, like commentator Candace Owens, have voiced skepticism of Patel's motives for halting the investigations. Owens took to Twitter, questioning Patel's desire to be the "sole point person" on the matter and expressing a lack of trust in him. Conservative podcaster Alex Jones also covered the story, suggesting that Patel is attempting to block Gabbard's investigation into potential foreign governments' involvement in Kirk's assassination.
