More than 100 U.S. intelligence employees have been fired for engaging in explicit conversations on a secure government chat platform. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed the dismissals on Tuesday and revoked their security clearances immediately.
“This was a flagrant violation of trust,” Gabbard stated. She emphasized that intelligence personnel must uphold the highest standards.
The platform, managed by the National Security Agency (NSA), is used for classified discussions among intelligence officers. Officials discovered that employees had misused it for non-professional conversations.
President Donald Trump has not yet commented on the incident. The White House is expected to address the matter soon.
“These employees knew better,” a senior intelligence official told Reuters. He described their actions as a “serious security breach.”
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has ordered all intelligence agencies to review their internal communications. They must submit reports by Friday identifying anyone involved.
“The intelligence community will not tolerate misconduct,” Gabbard wrote in a memo to agency heads. She warned that further violations would result in immediate termination.
Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist, first revealed the issue in a post on X. He claimed that senior officials were aware of the misconduct before taking action.
“We know who they are. Action is underway,” Gabbard later confirmed. She stated that no exceptions would be made.
The exact nature of the conversations has not been disclosed. Intelligence agencies have also not confirmed how long the misuse occurred.
Security experts warn that any breach of a classified system is a serious concern. Unauthorized activity on secure platforms can expose vulnerabilities in intelligence operations.
“The integrity of our intelligence infrastructure is at stake,” said former CIA official Mike Baker. He argued that agencies need stronger internal monitoring systems.
The firings come at a critical time for U.S. intelligence agencies. Rising global threats require strict discipline and adherence to security protocols.
Trump’s administration has taken a tough stance on intelligence community oversight. His allies have pushed for reforms aimed at reducing internal misconduct.
“This is about accountability,” Gabbard told Fox News. She stated that national security should never be compromised by personal misconduct.
The NSA has not commented on whether further security measures will be implemented. Intelligence officials are reviewing ways to prevent future misuse of classified platforms.
The employees fired worked across multiple agencies, including the NSA, CIA, and FBI. Their security clearances have been revoked, preventing them from accessing classified data.
“This incident raises serious questions,” said Senator Josh Hawley. He has called for a congressional hearing to investigate the intelligence agencies’ handling of the situation.
Government watchdogs may also launch independent investigations. They aim to determine whether senior officials acted quickly enough.
Lawmakers from both parties are demanding transparency. Some believe intelligence agencies need stricter policies on internal communication.
Trump’s administration has made national security a top priority. His recent push for stronger intelligence reforms could lead to further crackdowns on misconduct.
“This should never have happened,” said former FBI Director Chris Wray. He stated that intelligence personnel must be held to the highest ethical standards.
Officials have not confirmed whether criminal charges will be pursued. The Department of Justice may review the case to determine if further action is needed.
The scandal comes amid broader debates over intelligence oversight. Some argue that internal security measures are not strict enough.
Trump has repeatedly criticized intelligence agencies for leaks and misconduct. His administration is expected to push for additional reforms.
The intelligence community is now under pressure to restore public trust. The next steps taken could set a precedent for future accountability.
