Gabbard Alleges 'Deep State' Plot in Trump Impeachment

Former congresswoman claims whistleblower complaint was 'false narrative' to oust Trump

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:22am

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A conceptual illustration featuring fragmented, overlapping shapes and waves of red, white, and blue paint, representing the fractured political landscape surrounding the Trump impeachment controversy.The ODNI's criminal referrals regarding the Trump impeachment whistleblower expose ongoing political tensions over the integrity of intelligence and law enforcement.Chicago Today

Tulsi Gabbard's office has sent criminal referrals to the Department of Justice regarding the whistleblower whose 2019 complaint about President Trump's call with the Ukrainian president led to his impeachment. Gabbard alleges 'deep state actors' within the intelligence community concocted a 'false narrative' to undermine Trump.

Why it matters

This move by Gabbard, who previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, represents the latest attempt by Trump allies to litigate old grievances and undermine the 2019 impeachment process. It raises concerns about the politicization of intelligence and law enforcement.

The details

The referral alleges that the whistleblower's complaint, deemed credible by then-Inspector General Michael Atkinson, was part of a 'coordinated effort' to 'manufacture a conspiracy' that led to Trump's impeachment. Gabbard claims newly declassified records expose how 'deep state actors' in the intelligence community concocted a 'false narrative' that Congress used to impeach Trump.

  • In July 2019, the whistleblower filed a complaint about Trump's call with the Ukrainian president.
  • In December 2019, the House of Representatives impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
  • In 2020, Trump fired Atkinson, who said his dismissal was due to his 'faithfully discharging' his duties as an independent inspector general.
  • On April 16, 2026, Gabbard's office sent criminal referrals to the DOJ regarding the whistleblower.

The players

Tulsi Gabbard

Former U.S. Representative who previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination and is now leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Michael Atkinson

Former Inspector General of the Intelligence Community who deemed the whistleblower's complaint credible, leading to Trump's impeachment.

Donald Trump

45th President of the United States who was impeached in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The Whistleblower

An anonymous intelligence community employee whose 2019 complaint about Trump's call with the Ukrainian president sparked the impeachment process.

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What they’re saying

“Newly-declassified records expose how deep state actors within the Intelligence Community concocted a false narrative that Congress used to usurp the will of the American people and impeach duly-elected President @realDonaldTrump.”

— Tulsi Gabbard

“They are trying to weaponize the government against Donald Trump's political opponents.”

— Marc Elias, Attorney

“That type of communication from President Trump should make every American happy. It means that there's an executive, a chief executive, that is making sure every one of his Cabinet members are working as hard as they should.”

— Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

What’s next

The Department of Justice will review the criminal referrals from Gabbard's office and decide whether to pursue a formal investigation.

The takeaway

This latest move by Gabbard and the ODNI represents an ongoing effort by Trump allies to undermine the 2019 impeachment process and cast doubt on the integrity of the intelligence community. It highlights the continued political polarization and mistrust surrounding the events that led to Trump's impeachment.