Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's office warned attorney Andrew Bakaj against sharing a top-secret complaint about her handling of classified material with Congress, escalating a dispute over allegations she withheld information for political reasons. The complaint, filed by an anonymous intelligence employee, claims Gabbard restricted distribution of highly classified reports.

Two inspectors general reviewed the allegations and found the claim that Gabbard distributed classified information along political lines did not appear credible. The complaint took eight months to reach lawmakers, with copies hand-delivered to the "Gang of Eight" - House and Senate leaders plus intelligence committee chairs from both parties.

Democrats blasted the delay while Republicans defended Gabbard, calling it an effort by the president's critics to undermine him. Gabbard provided a timeline showing she acted quickly once informed the complaint needed review, redaction, and delivery to Congress despite initially believing the investigation had ended when deemed non-credible.

Quick Fact: The complaint sat for six to eight months before reaching lawmakers.