A Democrat whistleblower’s allegations, backed by newly declassified FBI interview reports, are now threatening to upend the political career of Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA).
If the whistleblower’s account is
As Tolman noted, the legal exposure could multiply quickly: “It depends on the counts in the indictment… The fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged.”
The claims date back to Schiff’s time in the U.S. House, when he served as the ranking member — and later chairman — of the House Intelligence Committee during the Trump–Russia investigation.
The whistleblower, who worked for Democrats on the committee for more than a decade, repeatedly told the FBI starting in 2017 that Schiff had authorized leaking classified intelligence to the media to damage then-President Donald Trump.
The whistleblower said that in an all-staff meeting, Schiff declared that “the group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump” and that the leaks “would be used to indict President Trump.”
The whistleblower claimed he immediately objected, telling Schiff the plan was “unethical and possibly treasonous,” but was assured by others that “we would not be caught leaking classified information.”
The source informed federal agents that Schiff believed he had received a promise to become the CIA Director should Hillary Clinton win the 2016 election. The whistleblower identified Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) as a likely conduit for the leaks and said he was abruptly fired after raising the issue with the FBI.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the whistleblower says FBI leadership, including Director Christopher Wray, did nothing. He claims to have repeated the same account to agents from the bureau’s St. Louis office in 2023, again with no action taken.
Now, former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman is warning of the potential penalties Schiff could face if prosecutors were to bring charges. In a conversation with political commentator Benny Johnson, Tolman explained that leaking classified information carries steep financial and criminal penalties.
“Yeah. I mean, the fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged, so it depends on the counts in the indictment,” Tolman told Johnson. “Also, keep in mind, some of the punishment hinges on the purpose of the classified leak or the possession of classified documentation illegally. The purpose becomes very important.”
Tolman said the context of the leak could prove decisive in determining punishment.
“I believe this was, in essence, the beginning of a conspiracy to take down a president, to impact his ability to lead,” he said. “There are other statutes — conspiracy statutes, interference with official proceedings, et cetera. A lot of people have a question about treason — ‘Is it treason?’ You probably don’t satisfy the elements for treason, but there are some related crimes that could come into play.”
Tolman added that if prosecutors found an intent “to undermine the United States,” the penalties could reach “up to 20 years in federal prison.”
The FBI’s inaction on the allegations fits into what critics describe as a pattern under Director Wray of shielding politically connected figures. Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official, has accused the bureau of ignoring serious misconduct while aggressively targeting political opponents.
Patel has pointed to the FBI’s use of confidential informants ahead of the Jan. 6 protests as proof that the agency had foreknowledge of events but failed to act appropriately.
Schiff has not yet issued a public response to the newly surfaced allegations. In the past, he has denied leaking classified material and characterized such claims as partisan attacks meant to discredit his oversight work.
The 2025 Grammy Awards were already destined to be a historic evening for Shakira. The Colombian superstar, known worldwide for her electrifying performances and groundbreaking music career, arrived at the ceremony with the confidence of an artist who has conquered stages for more than three decades. But while her flawless red-carpet entrance and show-stopping performance were enough to captivate audiences, it was the presence of her two sons, Milan and Sasha, that elevated the night from glamorous to unforgettable.
Dressed in matching silver tuxedos, the brothers walked alongside their mother as though they were seasoned veterans of the spotlight. Their confident demeanor, paired with an undeniable resemblance to Shakira, sparked immediate chatter both inside the venue and across social media platforms. Fans couldn’t help but remark on how much Milan and Sasha mirrored their famous mom, not just in their features but in their poise and style. For many, it felt as though the next generation of Shakira’s legacy was standing proudly beside her, ready to share in her moment of triumph.
From the backstage corridors to the flashing lights of the red carpet, the trio drew attention everywhere they went. Cameras eagerly captured the affectionate interactions between mother and sons: Sasha adjusting his tuxedo sleeve while Shakira smiled proudly, Milan laughing as he whispered something to his mom before they posed for photographers. The chemistry was effortless, and the love palpable. Fans quickly flooded Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with side-by-side comparisons, calling the boys Shakira’s “mini-mes” and marveling at how strikingly alike they looked. Many remarked that it was almost as if Shakira had “cloned herself,” only in tuxedo form.
The boys’ impeccable silver suits became a talking point in themselves. Fashion critics praised the way Milan and Sasha managed to stand out while complementing their mother’s glamorous ensembles. Their attire was youthful yet elegant, capturing the same balance Shakira has always embodied in her own style — modern, bold, but timeless. It was clear that Shakira, who has long been celebrated as both a fashion icon and a performer, has passed down her impeccable taste to her children.
For Shakira, the evening was particularly poignant. The 2025 Grammys coincided with her 48th birthday, making the event a dual celebration of her career and her personal milestones. In interviews on the carpet and backstage, she expressed her joy at sharing the moment with her sons. She spoke of the values she hopes to instill in Milan and Sasha: hard work, perseverance, humility, and commitment. Shakira emphasized that while the music industry can be glamorous, it is also demanding, and she wants her children to understand the discipline behind success.
When Shakira later took the stage to accept her Grammy, she dedicated the award to her children. The speech was heartfelt, blending gratitude for her fans with a deeply personal tribute to her family. “Everything I do, I do for you,” she told Milan and Sasha, her voice brimming with emotion. As the audience applauded, her sons rushed to embrace her, creating one of the evening’s most touching and widely shared moments. The image of Shakira holding her award while her boys clung to her was more than a proud mother’s moment — it was a snapshot of legacy, love, and the balance between artistry and family.
Beyond the glamour of the night, Milan and Sasha’s presence symbolized something greater for fans who have followed Shakira’s journey. For years, the singer has navigated the demands of global stardom while remaining devoted to her role as a mother. Her separation from longtime partner Gerard Piqué in 2022 had placed her family life under intense public scrutiny, yet she has consistently shown resilience and an unwavering commitment to her sons. By bringing them to such a high-profile event, she reminded the world that, at her core, she is not only a performer but also a mother who cherishes her children above all else.
The significance of this night went beyond awards and fashion. It underscored how Shakira’s story has always been one of dualities: the superstar and the mother, the global icon and the family woman, the fierce performer and the gentle nurturer. Watching Milan and Sasha proudly accompany their mom on such an important night gave fans a glimpse of the personal foundation that sustains her professional brilliance.
As the curtain closed on the 2025 Grammys, the headlines celebrated Shakira’s powerful performance, her well-deserved award, and her birthday milestone. But for many viewers, it was Milan and Sasha who lingered in memory. They weren’t just accessories to their mother’s fame; they were central to the story of the evening, embodying the love and joy that keeps Shakira grounded. Their striking resemblance to her, their radiant confidence, and their visible affection reminded everyone of the enduring connection between parent and child — a bond stronger than any accolade.
In the end, the Grammys were more than a professional triumph for Shakira. They became a celebration of family, resilience, and legacy. Shakira may have taken home the trophy, but it was Milan and Sasha who stole the show, capturing hearts across the globe and leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next time this unforgettable trio graces the spotlight together.