1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over recent events involving CIA Deputy Director Juliane Gallina and her family's ties to Russia. On August 6, Steve Witkoff, acting as a special envoy, delivered Russia's Order of Courage to Deputy Director Gallina. This medal was posthumously awarded to her son, Michael Gloss, who died fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine on April 4, 2024. The circumstances surrounding this situation are alarming and raise serious questions about potential conflicts of interest within our intelligence community. Michael Gloss, son of both the CIA Deputy Director and a Navy veteran who is now CEO of a Department of Defense software contractor, joined the Russian military in August 2023. He signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry and served in the 137th Airborne Regiment before his death. Vladimir Putin's decision to honor an American citizen - particularly the son of a high-ranking CIA official - with a Russian military award appears to be a calculated diplomatic maneuver designed to undermine U.S. intelligence integrity. The White House's characterization of this as an act that "transcended geopolitics" is deeply troubling and fails to address the national security implications. I urge you to initiate a thorough investigation into this matter. We need to understand how the son of senior intelligence and defense officials was able to join Russian forces without raising red flags. Additionally, we must assess whether Deputy Director Gallina's position has been compromised and if there are any ongoing security risks. Furthermore, I request that you push for a formal diplomatic response to Russia's actions. Accepting this medal without addressing the broader implications sends a dangerous message about the permeability of our national security apparatus. Time is of the essence. With the funeral having taken place on December 21, 2024, we must act swiftly to address any potential intelligence breaches and reassure the American public about the integrity of our national security institutions. I look forward to your immediate action on this critical issue.