A classified whistleblower complaint targeting Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is reportedly tied to an intercepted conversation between two foreign nationals discussing Jared Kushner, according to a new report that is raising fresh questions inside Washington.
U.S. officials familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that the intercepted discussion included allegations about Kushner that would be significant if proven true. However, those same officials acknowledged there is currently no evidence corroborating the claims made in the conversation.
Senior Trump administration officials pushed back forcefully, telling the paper that the allegations about Kushner are demonstrably false. They declined to provide additional details, citing concerns that further disclosure could expose a highly sensitive intelligence-gathering method.
Key details remain under wraps. The nationalities of the individuals involved in the intercepted discussion have not been disclosed, nor have the full contents of their exchange. Previous reporting indicated that the conversation involved individuals linked to foreign governments and referenced a figure close to President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Iran was partially discussed.
When Tulsi Gabbard suppresses a whistleblower complaint for 8 months alleging she suppressed an intercepted call between 2 foreign nationals talking about Jared Kushner as the person to contact to influence Middle East peace talks in their favor – something smells. pic.twitter.com/fRnqLEqIMz
— anyone_want_chips (@anyonewantchips) February 13, 2026
The backdrop adds another layer of complexity. During Trump’s first term, Kushner played a central role in Middle East diplomacy, helping broker agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. Since leaving government, he has launched Affinity Partners, an investment fund that has drawn billions from Arab monarchies and pursued global ventures.
According to multiple reports, the whistleblower complaint alleges that Gabbard restricted the distribution of intelligence about the intercepted conversation for political reasons. Intelligence Community Inspector General Christopher Fox has reportedly reviewed the matter. Gabbard allegedly met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles after the intercept surfaced, and following that meeting, limited the report’s distribution.
The whistleblower’s attorney, Andrew Bakaj, has accused Gabbard’s office of delaying the standard review process. He claims lawmakers, including the Gang of Eight, were not given access to the complaint for months after it was filed.
NEW FROM NYT: Jared Kushner outed as the Trump advisor mentioned in the intel report that was caught up in whistle-blower complaint involving Tulsi Gabbard.
— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) February 12, 2026
NEW FROM NYT: Jared Kushner outed as the Trump advisor mentioned in the intel report that was caught up in whistle-blower complaint involving Tulsi Gabbard.
Lawmakers were finally permitted to review the complaint last week. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton said Gabbard handled the issue appropriately and characterized the complaint as lacking credibility. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman Mark Warner argued that heavy redactions made it impossible to fully assess the complaint’s validity.
Gabbard’s office has defended its actions, stating that the redactions fall squarely within her legal authority. The DNI has also described the complaint’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated, adding that a former acting inspector general determined portions concerning Gabbard were not credible.
With key information still classified and partisan divisions sharpening, the controversy underscores the high-stakes intersection of intelligence, politics, and presidential power — and signals that this fight is far from over.
