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A collection of government records and a knowledgeable source reveal that dozens of officials from various federal agencies, including U.S. intelligence, have been involved in guiding President Donald Trump’s efforts for retribution against perceived enemies. This group, known as the Interagency Weaponization Working Group, has been meeting since at least May and comprises personnel from the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, CIA, DOJ, DOD, FBI, DHS, IRS, FCC, and other agencies, according to multiple documents.
Trump’s executive order on inauguration day directed the attorney general to collaborate with federal agencies to identify and rectify past misconduct related to the weaponization of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Earlier this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi and DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard announced internal groups aimed at uncovering and addressing alleged misuse of government power against Trump.
Following a request for comment from Reuters, Fox News reported that Gabbard established this group, with key details previously unreported. Several U.S. officials confirmed to Reuters that the group exists, asserting its primary purpose is to implement Trump’s executive order.
A White House official, speaking anonymously, stated that the reporting is not new. ODNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman emphasized that “Americans deserve a government dedicated to deweaponization, depoliticization, and safeguarding against the misuse of power.”
The existence of this interagency effort suggests a broader, more organized push to leverage government authority against those Trump and his allies perceive as opponents—what they refer to as “weaponization.” The term is used to describe unfounded claims that officials from previous administrations abused their authority to target Trump during his impeachments, criminal prosecutions, and the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The group’s mission appears to be centered on targeting what is often called “the Deep State,” a term Trump and supporters use to describe their perceived adversaries within the Obama and Biden administrations, as well as in his first term.
While the exact scope and actions of the group remain unclear—and there is no evidence that Trump personally directs its operations—many involved are vocal supporters of the former president. Among those in the group are individuals who have publicly amplified false claims of election fraud and opposition to vaccine mandates, aligning with Trump’s narratives.
Notably, the group discusses high-profile figures such as former FBI Director James Comey, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and military leaders involved in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. There are also allegations of discussions involving Hunter Biden and even former President Joe Biden’s son, though official sources deny these claims.
Over 20 government records reviewed by Reuters reveal the participation of 39 individuals, including some whose previous roles and public statements strongly support Trump or have propagated election denial claims. These participants include current and former officials from multiple agencies, as well as outspoken opponents of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
An influential figure in the group is Justice Department attorney Ed Martin, who previously failed to secure Senate confirmation as U.S. Attorney for D.C. due to concerns over his support for the Capitol rioters. Martin also oversees Bondi’s DOJ weaponization initiative and acts as the department’s pardon attorney.
The group appears to have explored issues such as the Russia investigation, the prosecution of January 6 defendants, and potential disciplinary actions against certain officials or entities, including discussions around the Jeffrey Epstein case and security clearance revocations for transgender officials, although official responses deny or downplay some of these activities.
Many involved have been outspoken Trump supporters, with some amplifying baseless election fraud theories. For instance, Andrew McCoy “Mac” Warner, now with the Justice Department, has claimed that the CIA “stole” the 2020 election from Trump. Several other individuals, including White House aides, Justice Department officials, and former FBI agents, are linked to the group, with some actively promoting conspiracy theories and false narratives.
The group’s leadership reportedly includes ODNI official Paul McNamara, an aide to Gabbard who oversees the Director’s Initiatives Group. This unit has faced bipartisan scrutiny, with Congress demanding transparency about its members, roles, and security clearances.
Although the group’s powers and specific activities remain uncertain—whether it acts in a purely advisory capacity or has authority to direct agency actions—its existence signals a systematic effort within the government to scrutinize and potentially target perceived political enemies using federal resources.
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