Trump Administration Accused of Blocking Whistleblower Complaint

A U.S. intelligence official’s urgent complaint is being withheld from Congress. The official’s legal team says this is a direct violation of federal law. The whistleblower complaint concerns a “promise” made by President Donald Trump. It is considered so serious that the Intelligence Community Inspector General called it a matter of “urgent concern.” Federal law requires such a complaint to be given to congressional intelligence committees. However, Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire has not shared it. His office consulted the Justice Department, which advised against sharing the complaint. The whistleblower’s lawyers argue this is illegal. They say the inspector general, not the Justice Department, has the authority to judge the complaint’s urgency. A legal filing states the situation is a “flagrant” violation of the law. This action prevents Congress from performing its oversight duty. The intelligence committees cannot investigate a complaint they have not seen. The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have declined to comment.