Current and former officials said unmasking can be a vital tool for identifying potential spies or terrorists. ADADRichard Grenell, the acting director of national intelligence, made the decision to declassify the list of officials involved, an action first reported by ABC News. Separately, the Justice Department inspector general found that the investigation was properly started and not influenced by political bias, but also found broad and “serious performance failures” requiring major changes. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions on the matter to the Justice Department. Releasing the names would be an unprecedented action and risk turning powerful authorities to declassify intelligence toward political ends, current and former intelligence officials said.

Source: Washington Post May 12, 2020 22:37 UTC