Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has fired more than 100 intelligence officers across 15 U.S. spy agencies for using a government-operated secure chat platform to engage in sexually explicit conversations. The dismissed employees, who worked for agencies including the NSA, CIA, and DIA, were found to have participated in discussions about fetishes, gender transition surgeries, and personal sexual experiences on the NSA’s Interlink Messenger, a system designed for classified communication.
In a statement to Fox News, Gabbard called the misuse of the platform “an egregious violation of trust” and a breach of “basic rules and standards around professionalism.” She confirmed that those involved would not only be terminated but also have their security clearances revoked.
Details of the Controversial Chats
The chatrooms in question were reportedly connected to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives within the intelligence community. According to conservative journalist Christopher Rufo, who first broke the story in City Journal, the discussions occurred in channels labeled “LBTQA” and “IC_Pride_TWG.” Some messages, screenshots of which were shared by Rufo, included explicit details about personal experiences with gender-affirming surgeries, hormone treatments, and sexual preferences.
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One user discussed the effects of estrogen injections, stating, “I just enjoy helping other people experience boobs.” Another remarked on laser hair removal, saying, “Getting my b***hole zapped by a laser was… shocking.” Discussions also touched on the experience of wearing leggings and bikinis post-surgery.
The NSA has since acknowledged awareness of the inappropriate posts, stating in a social media update that investigations are ongoing. “IC collaboration platforms are intended to drive mission outcomes,” the statement read. “Potential misuse of these platforms by a small group of individuals does not represent the community.”
Wider Effort to “Clean House”
Gabbard’s actions are part of what she has described as a broader mission to restore integrity in the intelligence community. “Holding these individuals accountable is just the beginning of what we’re seeing across the Trump administration, which is carrying out the mandate the American people gave him—clean house, root out that rot and corruption,” she said on Fox News.
The intelligence chief’s crackdown has also extended to employees involved in DEI programs. In recent weeks, Gabbard’s office, along with the CIA, moved to dismiss officials who had worked on diversity initiatives under the Biden administration. However, a federal judge has temporarily halted those terminations while their legality is reviewed. The affected employees have sought reassignment, and their attorney argues that intelligence agencies may be violating government employment regulations by proceeding with the firings. A ruling on the case is expected Thursday.
Political Reactions and Musk’s Response
The high-profile dismissals have drawn support from conservative figures, including billionaire Elon Musk, who has been working with the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce. Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter, “MAJOR house cleaning needed,” in reference to the firings. He also joked about the scandal, saying, “Well, at least we know what they did last week.”
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Gabbard doubled down on her decision, posting on social media: “This behavior is unacceptable and those involved WILL be held accountable. These disgusting chat groups were immediately shut down when @POTUS issued his EO ending the DEI insanity the Biden Admin was obsessed with.”