DNI Tulsi Gabbard accuses WaPo reporter of 'actively harassing ODNI staff'

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called out the Washington Post on Thursday over the actions of a reporter on their staff, accusing her of "actively harassing ODNI staff."

"It has come to my attention that Washington Post reporter [Ellen Nakasima] appears to be actively harassing ODNI staff. Instead of reaching out to my press office, she is calling high level Intelligence Officers from a burner phone, refusing to identify herself, lying about the fact that she works for the Washington Post, and then demanding they share sensitive information," Gabbard wrote.

"Apparently, publishing leaked classified material wasn't enough for the Washington Post, so now they’ve decided to go after the Intelligence professionals charged to protect it," she continued. "This is a clear political op by the same outlet and the same reporter who harassed and stalked my family in Hawaii."

"This kind of deranged behavior reflects a media establishment so desperate to sabotage POTUS’s successful agenda that they’ve abandoned even a facade of journalistic integrity and ethics. The Washington Post should be ashamed, and they should put an end to this immediately," she concluded.

In response to the post, Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray said in a statement, "For three decades, Ellen Nakashima has been one of the most careful, fair-minded, and highly regarded reporters covering national security. Reaching out to potential sources rather than relying solely on official government press statements regarding matters of public interest is neither nefarious nor is it harassment. It is basic journalism."

"DNI Gabbard’s unfounded personal attack reflects a fundamental misunderstanding about the role of journalists to report on government officials and hold power to account, without fear or favor and regardless of party. The Post remains committed to that vital and constitutionally protected work."