Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has requested a formal review of declassified intelligence alleging that U.S. funds intended for Ukraine may have been diverted to benefit Democratic political operations and then-President Joe Biden.
The declassified intelligence summary is based on raw intercepts collected by U.S. agencies in late 2022. Officials familiar with the matter said the allegations did not receive significant follow-up within the government during the Biden administration.
Gabbard asked officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development to examine contracts, payments, and internal communications tied to the claims. The review could result in a criminal referral to the Federal Bureau of Investigation if supporting evidence emerges.
What the Intelligence Claims
According to the summary, the alleged plan involved using foreign aid channels as a political pipeline. The intercepts describe Ukrainian officials and unspecified U.S. personnel working through USAID in Kyiv developing a scheme to route hundreds of millions in American taxpayer dollars through an infrastructure project, “The Ukrainian Government and unspecified U.S. Government personnel, through USAID in Kyiv, reportedly developed a plan that would provide hundreds of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund an infrastructure project for Ukraine that would be used as a cover to send approximately 90% of funds allocated to the DNC to fund Joe Biden’s reelection campaign,” the summary stated.
The alleged plan relied on multiple subcontracting layers designed to obscure fund tracking. Two American subcontractors were referenced in the intercepts, though their names remain redacted in the declassified version.
Background on the Investigation
Officials who reviewed the material said the intercepts did not appear connected to Russian disinformation efforts. Gabbard’s team has not identified evidence showing the claims received a full investigation during the previous administration, according to officials.
The allegations surface as Ukraine continues negotiations with envoys from President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war with Russia. Ukraine has faced ongoing scrutiny over corruption concerns even as it receives continued Western support.
Trump’s Confidence in Gabbard
President Trump acknowledged differences in approach between himself and Gabbard regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “I would say that I am very strong on the fact that I don’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon because if they had a nuclear weapon they’d use it immediately. I think she’s probably a little softer on that issue, but that’s okay,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
When asked if he still has confidence in his director of national intelligence, Trump responded affirmatively. “Yeah, sure. I mean she’s a little bit different in her thought process than me, but that doesn’t make somebody not available to serve,” he said.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
