The Daily How the Whistle-Blower Complaint Almost Didn’t Happen
Sep 30, 2019
Julian E. Barnes, a national security reporter for The New York Times, delves into the whistleblower complaint that ignited an impeachment inquiry against President Trump. He outlines the whistleblower's difficult journey, emphasizing the risks of anonymity and the complexities of the complaint process. Barnes highlights the critical role of investigative journalism in uncovering truths and discusses the broader implications for presidential accountability. The conversation also touches on the political ramifications following the complaint's revelation.
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Anonymous Report
- A CIA officer, concerned about Trump's July 25th call, sought advice anonymously through a colleague.
- He feared being identified if he reported it directly, given his White House background.
Vague Initial Report
- The initial report lacked specific details about the call, only hinting at impropriety between Trump and a foreign leader.
- The CIA's top lawyer then contacted her White House counterpart to verify the information's credibility.
Escalation
- The White House's internal investigation into the call alarmed the whistleblower.
- He worried they would suppress the information, prompting him to file a formal complaint.