Acting Inspector General Will Brown of the National Archives has initiated an investigation into the release of unredacted military records belonging to Rep. Mikie Sherrill. The records ended up in the hands of an ally of her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. This incident comes as Sherrill accuses the Trump administration of orchestrating a conspiracy against her campaign for governor. A spokesperson for the National Archives and Records Administration clarified that the breach occurred “in error by a NARA employee,” specifically at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.
“We have launched an internal investigation,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “While mistakes are rare, they do happen as NPRC processes over 6,000 requests per day.” Despite this, Sherrill maintains the breach was intentional, stating, “this was no mistake.” While both sides brace for the fallout, House Oversight Democrats have indicated further inquiries into the actions surrounding the release, framing it as part of an effort by the Trump administration to meddle in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race.
Sherrill’s response highlights her frustrations. “Jack needs to cooperate fully with investigators,” she urged, calling for transparency regarding her opponent’s campaign involvement in the matter. Ciattarelli’s campaign spokesperson, Chris Russell, countered these claims, suggesting that Sherrill was spreading misinformation to divert attention from her own issues. “The Sherrill campaign’s desperation is showing here,” he stated, criticizing her refusal to release her disciplinary records from the Naval Academy.
The controversy deepens as allegations fly from both sides. Sherrill declared, “The illegal disclosure of my military records to my political opponent is not just an attack against me; it is an attack on every veteran who served this country.” She has vocalized that New Jersey deserves leaders who prioritize the rights of citizens over partisan politics.
The Ciattarelli campaign maintains that the request for Sherrill’s records was lawful, made by Nicholas De Gregorio, a friend of Ciattarelli, who acted independently. A spokesperson from the National Archives revealed that leadership became aware of the issue on September 22 after the technician mistakenly released the records while handling a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from June.
According to the National Archives, the technician “should NOT have released the entire record,” which contained sensitive information, including Sherrill’s Social Security number. The agency has offered apologies for this breach and committed to accountability. This blunder has raised questions about the operational integrity and procedures within the National Archives.
Despite the official findings, Sherrill continues to link the incident to larger political machinations. She asserts, “This isn’t just about my records; it’s about the integrity of our veterans and our election process.” Meanwhile, the Ciattarelli campaign accuses her of evading scrutiny over her past. Russell emphasized that her ongoing refusal to disclose her disciplinary records raises red flags regarding her integrity.
The political environment in New Jersey grows more charged as Election Day approaches, with Sherrill currently leading Ciattarelli by a slight margin in the polls. According to a recent Fox News survey, she holds an eight-point advantage among likely voters. This situation has set the stage for a fierce battle as both candidates vie for the governorship with the backdrop of this emerging scandal.
Democrats, quick to assign blame, have labeled the breach a symptom of a broader, corrupt system alleged to be influenced by the Trump administration. Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger remarked, “The Trump administration’s breach of privacy is a slap in the face to our nation’s brave servicemembers.” The Democratic National Committee echoed this sentiment, calling the event a disgraceful manifestation of unlawful political influence.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect voter sentiment and the candidates’ strategies. The dynamics surrounding this situation illustrate the intensity of the political landscape in New Jersey. With less than five weeks before the election, both parties will be keen to leverage this issue to their advantage, making transparency and accountability critical points of contention in the campaign ahead.
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