The intelligence reports, which had already been shared with state and local officials, were pulled back because they didn’t meet the department’s requirements, the official said. Although the nature of the reports is unclear, it speaks to the recent turmoil inside the department’s intelligence division.
The intelligence office was also ordered to review its procedures related to the collection of identifiable information of American journalists at the time.
Under Maher’s watch, a review found that a number of recent reports should not have been released, the DHS official said.
DHS’ spokesperson for the Intelligence and Analysis office told CNN: “I&A regularly reviews the intelligence we disseminate to ensure it meets our intelligence standards and authorities. As is standard practice, we do not comment on specific intelligence reporting.”
The spokesperson added: “We continue to produce intelligence reports on all threats to the Homeland with a constant commitment to doing so with increased timeliness, quality, and quantity.”
Whistleblower report
He alleged that top DHS political appointees repeatedly instructed career officials to modify intelligence assessments to suit President Donald Trump’s agenda by downplaying Russia’s efforts to interfere in the US and the threat posed by White supremacists.
Murphy claimed that Wolf instructed DHS officials earlier this year to “cease providing intelligence assessments on the threat of Russian interference” and, instead, focus their efforts on gathering information related to activities being carried out by China and Iran.
Murphy’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the recalls.
“Despite their best clean-up efforts after getting caught, it was no accident that the Department of Homeland Security published intelligence reports on journalists,” said Rose in a statement at the time.
Read More: Around 20 DHS intelligence reports recalled in the wake of Portland controversy