Hold onto your hats, folks -- Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, just dropped a bombshell by naming a supposed undercover CIA officer in a public list of revoked security clearances, as the Daily Mail reports.

Earlier this month Gabbard shook up the intelligence community by posting a list of 37 current and former officials who lost their clearances, accusing them of politicizing intelligence and mishandling classified data, while sparking a firestorm over one name: Julia Gurganus.

This saga began earlier this month when Gabbard took to social media to air the names of those she deemed unfit to hold sensitive access, a move that raised eyebrows across Washington for its boldness.

Gabbard's bold move sparks debate

The list, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), targeted officials largely tied to reports on Russia’s role in the 2016 election or those who backed efforts to impeach Donald Trump, suggesting a message about accountability.

Gabbard’s letter didn’t mince words, alleging these individuals failed to uphold the integrity of their roles through violations of protocol -- turns out, actions do have consequences in her book.

Yet, the real lightning rod is Julia Gurganus, described by some as an undercover CIA officer whose outing could jeopardize security, though others argue she’s been a public figure for years.

Who is Julia Gurganus?

Gurganus, a senior CIA executive tied to the Europe and Eurasia Mission Center, was scheduled to speak at a public intelligence symposium in April 2025, hardly the profile of a covert operative.

Senior intelligence sources told the Daily Mail, “Julia Gurganus was an overt analyst, not a covert operative, at the National Intelligence Council,” poking holes in claims of a security breach.

Her name has appeared in declassified 2020 Senate reports and articles in outlets like The Atlantic, with a bio noting her CIA affiliation while on sabbatical -- some secret agent, right?

Ties to 'Russiagate' under microscope

Gurganus oversaw the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on the 2016 election, a document criticized as heavily politicized, and was linked to former CIA Director James Clapper.

A senior official told the Daily Mail, “Gurganus had ties to the 'deep state' and the intelligence releases 'directly implicate her,'” hinting at influence conservatives have long suspected.

Interestingly, one source noted she only went undercover in June 2025 after ODNI’s public releases on the election probe—why now, if her profile was already visible?

ODNI defends, critics push back

The ODNI stands firm, with a spokeswoman stating Gabbard acted to ensure those weaponizing intelligence can no longer do so, showing a resolve to clean house.

Critics cited by the Wall Street Journal claim Gabbard’s team didn’t properly consult the CIA, though ODNI’s deputy chief of staff, Alexa Henning, shot back with a sharp “False” online.

Whatever the truth about Gurganus’s status, this reminds us that trust in our institutions hinges on transparency -- something both sides should value, even if they differ on the approach.