Feinstein on Attempts to Reveal Whistleblower’s Identity

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the repeated attempts to identify the whistleblower came forward with information on a call between President Trump and President Zelensky of Ukraine:

            “Attempts by the president and congressional Republicans to publicly identify the whistleblower are inexcusable and must stop.

            “Federal law specifically protects government employees who report official misconduct. Attempts to release any whistleblower’s identity discourages future complaints, which are vital to Congress’ ability to conduct oversight and uncover waste, fraud and abuse.

            “These complaints are made by conscientious public servants out of a sense of loyalty to America and its laws. They should be protected, not maligned by the people in charge of upholding those laws.

            “Efforts to leak the name of the whistleblower in the Ukraine case are nothing more than an attempt to distract the public from a legitimate investigation of serious allegations made against the president. In fact, the whistleblower’s identity and testimony are irrelevant. Witnesses with first-hand knowledge have testified to the facts, which paint a troubling picture and should be the focus.

            “The demand to reveal this whistleblower are purely punitive – clear retaliation for having brought wrongdoing to light. I urge my House and Senate colleagues to protect this whistleblower as they would any other.”

###