Congressional Investigation into CIA's Removal of Secret Files

May 14, 2026, 13:58
USPolitics

Introduction

Representative Anna Paulina Luna has demanded that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) immediately return classified documents they took from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Main Body

The conflict began after James Erdman III, a whistleblower who previously worked at the ODNI, gave testimony to a Senate committee. Erdman claimed that the CIA took back about 40 boxes of records concerning the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the MKUltra program. These files were reportedly being prepared for public release under the authority of DNI Tulsi Gabbard. Although some media reports described the event as a 'raid,' ODNI Press Secretary Olivia Coleman denied this term, even though she admitted the documents were removed. Later reports clarified that this happened during the 2025 government shutdown. Representative Luna, who leads the House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, emphasized that the CIA's actions ignore official oversight. Furthermore, she asserted that this move violates a presidential executive order that requires the release of records related to JFK, RFK, and MLK. Regarding the MKUltra files, which describe psychological experiments and torture during the Cold War, Luna stated that these documents are necessary for an ongoing investigation. Consequently, the congresswoman gave the CIA 24 hours to return the files, warning that failure to do so would lead to a formal subpoena and possible penalties for agency staff.

Conclusion

The situation is still not resolved because the CIA has not yet returned the documents, meaning a formal subpoena may still be issued.

Learning

⚡ The 'Power-Up' Transition: Moving from Simple to Formal Connections

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using basic words like 'and', 'but', and 'so' to connect your ideas. B2 speakers use Logical Connectors to show precise relationships between events.

Look at how this text builds a professional argument using these three specific 'bridges':

1. The 'Adding Weight' Bridge: Furthermore

  • A2 Style: "The CIA ignored the rules and they broke the order."
  • B2 Style: "The CIA's actions ignore official oversight. Furthermore, she asserted that this move violates a presidential executive order."
  • Why it works: Furthermore doesn't just add information; it tells the reader that the second point is even more important or serious than the first.

2. The 'Direct Result' Bridge: Consequently

  • A2 Style: "The files are needed, so she gave them 24 hours."
  • B2 Style: "...these documents are necessary for an ongoing investigation. Consequently, the congresswoman gave the CIA 24 hours..."
  • Why it works: Consequently creates a formal cause-and-effect link. It transforms a simple sentence into a professional conclusion.

3. The 'Contrast' Bridge: Although

  • A2 Style: "Some reports said it was a raid, but Olivia Coleman denied it."
  • B2 Style: "Although some media reports described the event as a 'raid,' ODNI Press Secretary Olivia Coleman denied this term..."
  • Why it works: By starting the sentence with Although, you create a complex sentence structure. This is a hallmark of B2 fluency—the ability to balance two opposing ideas in one breath.

Quick Guide for your writing:

Instead of...Try using...Effect
AndFurthermoreAdds professional emphasis
SoConsequentlyShows a logical result
ButAlthoughCreates a sophisticated contrast

Vocabulary Learning

whistleblower
A person who exposes wrongdoing or illegal activity within an organization.
Example:The whistleblower revealed the hidden corruption within the company.
testimony
A formal statement given under oath in a legal proceeding.
Example:Her testimony in court helped convict the suspect.
assassination
The murder of a prominent or important person.
Example:The assassination of the leader shocked the nation.
program
A planned series of activities or events designed to achieve a goal.
Example:The new educational program aims to improve literacy.
authority
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
Example:The mayor exercised his authority to close the road.
denied
To refuse to admit or accept something.
Example:She denied all allegations of misconduct.
admitted
To confess or acknowledge something, often after denial.
Example:He admitted he had made a mistake.
shutdown
A temporary closure of operations or services.
Example:The factory shutdown lasted three days.
oversight
Supervision or monitoring to ensure compliance or accuracy.
Example:The audit revealed an oversight in the budget.
executive
Relating to high-level management or decision‑making authority.
Example:The executive team approved the new policy.
order
An official instruction or command, often from a court or authority.
Example:The court issued a restraining order.
require
To need or demand something as necessary or obligatory.
Example:The job requires strong analytical skills.
release
To make information or documents available to the public.
Example:They plan to release the report next week.
records
Documents or data that provide evidence or information.
Example:The archives contain many old records.
psychological
Relating to the mind, mental processes, or emotional states.
Example:The study examined psychological effects of stress.
experiments
Tests or trials conducted to discover facts or test hypotheses.
Example:The scientist conducted experiments on cells.
torture
Cruel or inhumane treatment to cause pain or suffering.
Example:The prisoners suffered torture during interrogation.
Cold War
A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II.
Example:The Cold War shaped international alliances.
ongoing
Continuing or still in progress.
Example:The investigation is ongoing.
subpoena
A legal order requiring a person to attend court or provide documents.
Example:He received a subpoena to testify.
penalties
Punishments or fines imposed for wrongdoing.
Example:The company faced heavy penalties for violations.
agency
An organization that provides a particular service or function.
Example:The travel agency booked our flights.
staff
Employees or workers within an organization.
Example:The staff worked late to finish the project.
conflict
A disagreement, clash, or struggle between parties.
Example:The conflict between the two parties escalated.
declassification
The process of making classified information public.
Example:The declassification of the files was delayed.
formal
Official, proper, or following established rules.
Example:She wore a formal dress to the ceremony.
public
Open to all people; not restricted to a private group.
Example:The public was invited to the event.
documents
Written or printed records that convey information.
Example:Please submit all documents by Friday.
classified
Marked as confidential or restricted for security reasons.
Example:The classified documents were destroyed.