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A federal working group involving multiple U.S. agencies is reportedly coordinating efforts to pursue President Trump’s directive to address alleged “weaponization” of government institutions.

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A Coordinated Push Behind the Scenes

A cross-agency coalition of federal officials including intelligence officers and senior department representatives has reportedly been working behind closed doors to advance President Donald Trump’s directive aimed at addressing what he describes as the “weaponization” of government.
According to government documents and sources familiar with the initiative, the Interagency Weaponization Working Group (IWWG) has been active since at least May, drawing participation from officials across multiple federal bodies.

The Executive Order That Sparked It

The effort stems from an executive order issued by President Trump on Inauguration Day, directing the attorney general to collaborate with other agencies to identify and correct any “past misconduct” involving the misuse of government power.
The order came amid Trump’s repeated claims that previous administrations had politicized federal law enforcement and intelligence operations against him allegations that remain unproven but have shaped much of his political messaging since 2016.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard subsequently established internal task forces within their respective agencies to examine alleged abuses. Both have described their missions as an attempt to “root out” politically motivated actions within the federal bureaucracy.

A Broad and Secretive Coalition

The Interagency Weaponization Working Group reportedly includes representatives from the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the CIA, the Justice and Defense Departments, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the IRS, and the FCC, among others.
Such interagency groups are typically used to coordinate policy, share intelligence, and ensure unified government responses. In this case, however, the group’s focus addressing perceived “deep state” actions against Trump has raised concerns among some lawmakers and former officials.

A White House spokesperson, speaking anonymously, said the effort was not new and framed it as a continuation of Trump’s promise to “deweaponize and depoliticize” federal institutions.
ODNI spokeswoman Olivia Coleman said Americans “deserve a government that ensures power is never again turned against the people it’s meant to serve.”

Dozens of Federal Officials Involved

Reuters’ review of over twenty federal records identified 39 individuals connected to the interagency group.
The documents also referenced other related entities, including Bondi’s “Weaponization Working Group” within the Justice Department and a smaller DOJ-led subgroup focused on the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Among the key figures reportedly involved is Ed Martin, a Justice Department attorney who oversees Bondi’s internal working group. Martin’s earlier nomination for U.S. attorney in Washington failed after senators raised concerns about his public support for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 riot.

The working group also includes officials who have publicly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates themes that mirror broader ideological divisions within Trump’s base.

From Comey to Hunter Biden

According to one source familiar with internal discussions, names raised within the group reportedly include former FBI Director James Comey, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and former military leaders who enforced vaccine mandates for service members.
The same source said discussions extended to Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, though officials insist the group is not targeting individuals for retribution.

A senior ODNI official disputed any suggestion of personal targeting, stating that the group’s role is limited to reviewing “facts and evidence” of past misconduct.
Neither Comey’s nor Hunter Biden’s representatives responded to Reuters’ inquiries, and Fauci also declined to comment.

Intelligence and Congressional Scrutiny

Another key player named in documents is Paul McNamara, a retired Marine officer and aide to Gabbard who oversees ODNI’s Directors Initiatives Group (DIG). The DIG has also faced bipartisan scrutiny, with Congress recently passing a measure requiring Gabbard to disclose details about its members, funding, and security clearances.

According to sources, members of the interagency group discussed expanding internal data searches across both unclassified and classified federal networks to uncover signs of “deep state” activity. ODNI officials denied those claims, calling them inaccurate and technically implausible.

Russia, Jan. 6, and More

Sources said the group has revisited several politically charged issues, including the Russia investigation, the 2017 intelligence assessment on Moscow’s election interference, and the Justice Department’s handling of January 6 prosecutions.

Gabbard has publicly alleged that documents show former President Barack Obama directed intelligence agencies to fabricate elements of the 2017 Russia report a claim rejected by Obama’s spokesperson as “bizarre.”
Multiple bipartisan investigations, including a 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee review, reaffirmed the report’s conclusions that Russia sought to aid Trump’s 2016 campaign.

The interagency group has also reportedly discussed high-profile cases involving Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, as well as potential reviews of classified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein though federal officials deny these topics were formally addressed.

Public and Internal Reactions

While supporters of the initiative argue that it promotes accountability and transparency, critics warn it could legitimize political retaliation under the guise of reform.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that the agency is “working with others to reverse the harm caused by the prior administration,” while several agencies including the DOJ, CIA, FBI, and IRS declined to comment.

Within the administration, officials insist that the working group operates within legal boundaries. “We are not targeting anyone,” one senior ODNI official reiterated, emphasizing that the focus is on institutional review rather than political revenge.

Trump Loyalists in Key Roles

Documents reviewed by Reuters indicate that many participants are long-standing Trump allies or vocal supporters of his policies.
Among them is Andrew “Mac” Warner, a former West Virginia secretary of state and now DOJ attorney, who previously accused the CIA of “stealing” the 2020 election. Another member, Jared Wise, a former FBI agent convicted for participating in the January 6 riot, is reportedly serving on Bondi’s DOJ working group.

Records also show involvement by several former Air Force officers, including Carolyn Rocco, who publicly opposed military vaccine mandates and signed a letter calling for court-martials of commanders who enforced them.

Despite repeated requests, Rocco and Warner did not respond to inquiries.

Governance and Accountability at Crossroads

The existence of the Interagency Weaponization Working Group underscores the Trump administration’s systematic approach to addressing what it views as institutional bias.
Yet it also highlights the delicate balance between legitimate oversight and potential politicization of the justice and intelligence systems.

Whether the group holds operational authority or functions mainly as an advisory body remains unclear. For now, its activities suggest a widening effort to reshape federal oversight one that could redefine how political power interacts with U.S. institutions.

A Shadow Effort with Lasting Impact

As the administration’s “deweaponization” campaign continues, the reach and influence of this interagency effort remain uncertain.
What is clear is that its work touches nearly every major arm of the federal government and that the ongoing debate over political accountability versus retribution will likely shape Washington’s landscape for years to come.

SOURCE:  Reuters

 

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