WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders and the Trump administration have moved to restrict the distribution of some classified information to lawmakers following a recent intelligence leak, according to administration officials and members of Congress, intensifying a dispute over national security oversight and access to sensitive material.
The decision followed the disclosure of a preliminary intelligence assessment concerning U.S. military strikes on Iran, a leak that prompted an FBI investigation and a broader review of how classified information is shared within the federal government, officials said. According to Axios, the administration plans to reduce the amount of classified material distributed through the Capitol Network (CAPNET), a system used to provide lawmakers with secure access to intelligence.
Administration officials said the measures are intended to prevent further unauthorized disclosures of sensitive intelligence. "We are declaring a war on leakers," a senior White House official told Axios, adding that intelligence agencies were tightening procedures following the leak.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, arguing that limiting access to classified information could impede Congress's constitutional oversight responsibilities. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats said the restrictions risk preventing lawmakers from reviewing intelligence necessary to evaluate national security decisions, according to multiple media reports.
Republican leaders defended the administration's response, saying repeated unauthorized disclosures have damaged trust in the handling of classified information. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford supported efforts to strengthen safeguards against leaks, according to Axios.
Congress has long maintained procedures governing lawmakers' access to classified information, with the most sensitive intelligence often shared only with designated congressional committees or limited leadership groups, according to Congressional Research Service materials. Existing practices also include secure facilities, classified briefings and restrictions on the handling of sensitive documents.
Separate legislative proposals introduced during consideration of defense legislation have also sought stricter consequences for government officials or members of Congress found to have leaked classified information for personal or political gain, although such proposals do not establish current law.
As of Friday, administration officials had not publicly detailed the full scope or duration of the new information-sharing restrictions. Congressional leaders from both parties continued to press their positions, while the FBI's investigation into the leak remained ongoing, according to officials.
