Kash Patel Pressed on Whistleblower Claims of Adam Schiff Leaking Classified Information

Whistleblower Claims of Leaks

• 📌 A former intelligence committee staffer provided details suggesting a systematic process for leaking classified information orchestrated by then-Chairman Adam Schiff.
• 🔍 These findings were reportedly revealed through documents produced to the committee in August.
• ❓ Rep. Ben Cline questioned FBI Director Kash Patel on whether these findings were escalated within the FBI's chain of command and to what level.

FBI Investigation into Leaks

• 🕵️ Director Patel confirmed that the entire matter of leaks is currently under investigation by the FBI's leak investigation unit.
• ⚠️ He stated that leaks of classified information were generally detrimental to any work the FBI was doing during the Trump-Russia probe.
• 🤐 Patel was limited in providing specific details regarding former Director James Comey's testimony due to the ongoing status of matters with the FBI and Department of Justice.

FISA Abuse Concerns

• ⚖️ Rep. Cline raised concerns about the weaponization of the FISA process, referencing Patel's prior statements about the need for major reform, particularly concerning Section 702.
• 📊 Patel acknowledged ongoing concerns but highlighted the implementation of new audit systems and a near 100% review of the 702 query system since he became director.
• 🚫 He also mentioned eliminating individuals who had made mistakes with the database and implementing a strict 'one strike and you're done' policy for future misuse of the 702 system.

FBI Auditing and Data Practices

• 🏢 Patel explained that the FBI's Office of Internal Auditing was closed due to restructuring and resource saving, with its functions folded into a specific audit division.
• ✅ He reiterated that strict actions are in place to prevent future abuses of the FISA query system, including immediate access revocation for any improper query.
• ❓ Regarding the purchase of location data or other data from data brokers, Patel stated he did not believe so but would confirm with the committee.