A team of numerous government officials, including intelligence personnel, has been actively supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to seek retribution against individuals he perceives as adversaries, as per official government records and a reliable source familiar with the initiative.
The Interagency Weaponization Working Group, which has been in operation since at least May, comprises representatives from various government entities such as the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the CIA, as well as the Justice and Defense departments, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the IRS, and the Federal Communications Commission, among others, according to documents.
President Trump issued an executive order on his inauguration day in January directing the attorney general to collaborate with other federal agencies to address past government misconduct linked to the misuse of law enforcement and intelligence resources.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard earlier this year announced internal groups within their agencies to identify and address those who allegedly abused governmental authority against the President.
Following inquiries from Reuters, Fox News reported the group’s existence, with Gabbard acknowledging her role in establishing the working group. Multiple U.S. officials confirmed the Interagency Weaponization Working Group’s existence to Reuters, stating that its primary objective is to fulfill the President’s executive order.
The ODNI spokesperson emphasized the importance of a government committed to depoliticizing and preventing the misuse of power against its citizens. The group’s formation underscores the administration’s broader strategy to utilize government resources against Trump’s perceived adversaries in a more organized and comprehensive manner than previously known.
President Trump and his supporters have used the term “weaponization” to describe their allegations that officials in prior administrations misused federal powers to target him during various events, including his impeachments, legal proceedings, and the Russia election interference probe.
The group’s mandate, according to a source, is essentially to target what is commonly referred to as ‘the Deep State,’ a term used by Trump and his allies to denote opponents from the Obama, Biden administrations, and his own presidency.
While Reuters could not verify the group’s operational activities or Trump’s direct involvement, discussions within the group reportedly included figures like former FBI director James Comey, Anthony Fauci, and former military leaders who mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for service members. The scope of potential targets discussed also extended to individuals like Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden.
A senior ODNI official refuted claims of targeting individuals for retribution, emphasizing the group’s focus on investigating any misuse of government resources for political purposes. The involvement of various individuals with differing stances on issues like COVID-19 mandates and election fraud allegations was noted through a review of their social media activities.
The Justice Department acknowledged the review of alleged government weaponization under previous administrations but did not provide specifics on the group’s activities. The extent of the group’s authority to take action or provide directives to agencies remains unclear.
Apart from retribution related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot prosecutions, discussions within the group reportedly covered a wide range of topics, including Jeffrey Epstein files and potential actions against certain officials. The involvement of individuals supportive of Trump’s claims and those critical of the government’s actions was highlighted, though the exact roles of certain CIA officers within the group are unknown.
Other federal agencies involved in the working group did not respond to requests for comment, while a DHS spokesperson mentioned efforts to address previous administration’s policies causing harm.