When Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declared, “They won’t get away with this,” she wasn’t issuing a rhetorical flourish—she was signaling an all-out battle against what she frames as a politically weaponized intelligence community. From declassifying sensitive Russia-related documents to demanding prosecutions of former Obama officials, Gabbard’s tenure has quickly become embroiled in controversy, reinvigorating long-standing partisan battles over truth, loyalty, and national security.

Setting the Stage: The DNI Nomination and Deep State Accusations

Following her nomination by President Trump in late 2024, Tulsi Gabbard positioned herself as a fierce critic of entrenched intelligence bureaucracies. She has consistently accused past intelligence institutions of aligning against Trump, suggesting they actively suppressed or manipulated evidence surrounding Russian election interference. In her own words, this has been part of a “treasonous conspiracy”—and she pledged unwavering efforts to expose it.

Amid heightened scrutiny, Gabbard claimed she was placed on the TSA’s “Quiet Skies” watchlist—a measure she describes as politically motivated. Her experience, involving invasive surveillance at airports, underscores how she perceives intelligence systems working against her, not just serving threats.

Pulling Back the Curtain: Declassification Drama

In late July 2025, acting on her convictions, Gabbard overrode objections from the CIA and released a minimally redacted 46-page intelligence report. This document sought to counter the long-held consensus on Russia’s 2016 election interference by suggesting officials from the Obama era had deliberately pushed a politically motivated narrative. Critics warned that such disclosures could risk leaking sensitive sources and methods.

The release stemmed from growing pressure within Trump’s circle, particularly from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who later initiated a grand jury investigation into former Obama officials. This rapid escalation reflects Gabbard’s commitment to her message—even amid growing legal and intelligence backlash.

The Pushback: Crossfire from Intelligence and Political Elites

Gabbard’s bold moves triggered bipartisan alarm. During confirmation hearings, critics like Senator Mitt Romney and Representative Adam Kinzinger accused her of echoing Russian propaganda and being lauded by Kremlin media—casting serious doubt on her loyalty and judgment.

Moreover, respected voices like former FBI/CIA chief William Webster questioned her qualifications, warning that her confirmation might embolden foreign adversaries These concerns underscore the rare controversy surrounding the head of U.S. intelligence: is she safeguarding national interests—or undermining them?

The “Deep State” Unmasked: Legal Moves and Political Reverberations

In July and August of 2025, Gabbard dramatically referred multiple Obama-era figures—James Clapper, John Brennan, and James Comey—to the DOJ for prosecution. She characterized their actions as a looming “coup,” alleging deliberate misinformation and manipulation of intelligence to frame Trump’s presidency.

Her claims aligned with a broader movement among Republicans portraying the Russiagate saga as a politically weaponized hoax. President Trump himself echoed these accusations, even releasing AI-generated imagery depicting Obama in handcuffs

But widespread skepticism remains. Bipartisan investigations—including the Senate Intelligence Committee and the 2019 Mueller report—upheld that Russia actively interfered in the 2016 election. Intelligence veterans and lawmakers like Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner have dismissed Gabbard’s referrals as unfounded.

Leaking, Propaganda, and Media Warfare

Beyond internal maneuvering, Gabbard has gone on the offensive against press leaks and disinformation. At multiple press events, she pledged to “aggressively pursue leaks” within the intelligence community, calling them politically motivated attacks on national security.

Simultaneously, she revived concerns about media manipulation inspired by Cold War-era CIA techniques—citing Operation Mockingbird as evidence that covert influence operations may still exist, aiming to suppress or discredit dissident voices, including hers.

They Won’t Get Away with This”: Gabbard’s Rallying Cry

Gabbard’s declaration—They won’t get away with this”—is deeply symbolic. For her, it signifies a principled stand against perceived institutional bias, surveillance, and manipulation from within America’s security apparatus. Her rhetoric has become a rallying cry among supporters, including veterans who lauded her leadership and patriotism

Yet for detractors, the phrase represents a dangerous erosion of trust. They warn it paints U.S. intelligence as the real adversary, undermining decades of bipartisan consensus on national threats. If anything, her tenure is seen as stoking polarizing narratives that fracture, not unite, national security.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

Tulsi Gabbard’s transformation from congresswoman to Director of National Intelligence has been turbulent. With every declassification, criminal referral, and press confrontation, she pushes a narrative: one that frames American institutions as compromised, disloyal, and politically weaponized. Whether one views her as a crusading reformer or reckless provocateur, her impact is undeniable.

As investigations into Obama-era officials percolate and media scrutiny intensifies, her vow—They won’t get away with this”—stands as a bold challenge. In an era where trust in government is fragile, Gabbard’s war on the intelligence status quo could redraw the lines of power—or further undermine them.