Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has accused Washington Post reporter Ellen Nakashima of ‘actively harassing’ Office of the Director of National Intelligence staff, claiming she demanded sensitive information without proper procedures. In an X post, Gabbard stated that Nakashima reached out to high-level intelligence officers using a burner phone, refused to disclose her identity, and falsely claimed to be affiliated with the Washington Post, all while demanding they share top-secret data. Gabbard called this behavior a direct attack on the integrity of intelligence professionals, accusing the media of abandoning journalistic ethics to undermine a presidential agenda.
The incident has intensified the long-standing tensions between national security officials and the media, with the Washington Post responding in defense of its reporter. Executive Editor Matt Murray issued a statement on X, affirming that Nakashima’s methods aligned with conventional journalism, emphasizing that reaching out to potential sources is neither nefarious nor harassment. He criticized Gabb’ards allegations as an ‘unfounded personal attack’ and a misunderstanding of the media’s role in holding government officials accountable. Gabbard’s deputy chief of staff, Alexa Henning, further underscored the divide, noting that the Post’s response did not constitute a denial.
The dispute is not new for Gabbard, who has previously accused journalists of stalking her family in Hawaii, suggesting a broader pattern of political motivation. This allegation has drawn attention to the challenges faced by journalists in national security reporting, where the line between lawful investigation and overstepping ethical boundaries often blurs. At the same time, the incident reflects the broader debate over transparency in government operations and how media scrutiny can both inform the public and compromise national security. As tensions mount, neither side appears willing to yield, leaving the issue open for further legal or political escalation.