# Rheanne Wirkkala: Complete Report on Washington DC Work and Involvement with Adam Schiff ## Background and Education **Rheanne Wirkkala** is a seasoned defense policy advisor and former intelligence analyst who has built a distinguished career spanning multiple branches of government over nearly 13 years of federal service. Born and raised in Washington state, Wirkkala graduated from Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, including study abroad at St. Anne's College, Oxford University. She later obtained a Master of Arts in International Relations from Yale University's Jackson School of Global Affairs in 2011. ## Early Career in Washington DC Wirkkala's career in Washington DC began during her graduate studies at Yale. In 2010, she interned at the U.S. Department of State in the office responsible for counter-threat finance and economic sanctions policy. This experience provided her with foundational knowledge in national security matters that would shape her career trajectory. After graduation in 2011, Wirkkala worked briefly in the private sector as a consultant for the Digital Media Practice at Burson-Marsteller (now BCW) in New York from May 2011 to April 2012. However, her passion for public service drew her back to Washington DC. ## Defense Intelligence Agency Career (2012-2015) In April 2012, Wirkkala joined the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as an intelligence analyst, a position she held until May 2015. During her three years at [[DIA]], she specialized in political and military leadership analysis for Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as counterterrorism priorities focused on al-Qaeda. Her work involved producing intelligence analysis for senior Department of Defense and cabinet-level decision-makers on these critical national security issues. This expertise in Afghanistan and Pakistan would prove valuable throughout her career, as she developed deep knowledge of the region during a crucial period of U.S. military involvement. According to [Yale's profile of Wirkkala](https://jackson.yale.edu/about/meet-us/alumni/get-to-know-jackson-alumni/pursuing-a-lifelong-passion-for-public-service/), "becoming an expert on Afghanistan and Pakistan while at the DIA, coupled with her communication-building in Congress, helped move her career forward". ## House Intelligence Committee and Adam Schiff (2015-2021) ### Initial Appointment and Roles In April 2015, Wirkkala transitioned to Capitol Hill, joining the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) as a Professional Staff Member. This move coincided with [[Adam Schiff]]'s growing influence as the ranking Democrat on the committee. [Wirkkala would serve in various capacities](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheannewirkkala) under Schiff's leadership for nearly six years, during some of the most high-profile congressional investigations in recent history. Initially hired as a Professional Staff Member, Wirkkala was promoted to Policy Director in June 2017. In this role, she became responsible for oversight of several intelligence programs, including Covert Action, Department of Defense intelligence components, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the State Department. ### The Russian Prankster Incident (2017) One of the most controversial episodes involving Wirkkala occurred in early 2017, when she played a key role in what became known as the "Russian prankster incident." Russian comedians Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, known as "Vovan" and "Lexus," successfully pranked Adam Schiff by posing as Andriy Parubiy, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament. During the eight-minute phone call, the pranksters spun an elaborate tale about Russian officials having compromising materials on [[Donald Trump]], including alleged nude photographs from his 2013 Miss Universe visit to Moscow. The [pranksters claimed that Russian model Olga Buzova](https://townhall.com/tipsheet/chrisreeves/2018/02/07/adam-schiff-fooled-by-russian-pranksters-claiming-putin-had-nude-photos-of-trump-n2445686) had an affair with Trump and provided compromising photos to Putin through his goddaughter Ksenia Sobchak. Wirkkala's involvement became significant when emails obtained by the Daily Mail revealed her follow-up communications with the pranksters, whom she still believed were Ukrainian officials. In one email dated April 2017, Wirkkala wrote: "I understand Mr. Schiff had a productive call with Mr. Parubiy, and that Mr. Parubiy would like to make some materials available to Mr. Schiff through your embassy". She then asked: ["Please let me know how best to arrange pick-up of those materials from your embassy here in Washington D.C."](https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2018/02/06/democrat-adam-schiff-fell-for-russian-prankster-spoof-promising-compromising-dirt-on-donald-trump/) This incident became politically damaging because it contradicted Schiff's office's later claims that they knew the call was "bogus" from the beginning. Wirkkala's description of the call as "productive" and her attempts to arrange for the pickup of the fake evidence suggested that Schiff's team initially took the call seriously. ### Trump-Russia Investigation As Policy Director and later Deputy Director of Investigations, Wirkkala played a central role in the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign. Her responsibilities included managing investigations into alleged abuses by Intelligence Community resources and overseeing various intelligence programs. During this period, the committee was at the center of intense partisan battles over the scope and conduct of the Russia investigation. Wirkkala worked closely with other senior staff members, including [[Daniel Goldman]] (who later became famous during the impeachment proceedings) and [[Maher Bitar]], [the committee's General Counsel](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/06/13/house-democrats-russia-investigation-funding-staff-239487). ### Trump Impeachment Investigation (2019) Wirkkala's most high-profile moment came during the Trump impeachment inquiry in 2019. As Deputy Director of Investigations, she was directly involved in the committee's investigation into Trump's dealings with Ukraine. According to Adam Schiff's memoir "Midnight in Washington," Wirkkala was the staff member who brought him the White House's summary of Trump's [[July 2019]] call with Ukrainian President [[Volodymyr Zelensky]]. [Schiff describes the moment](https://www.businessinsider.com/read-adam-schiff-reaction-trump-ukraine-impeachment-call-memo-2021-10) when Wirkkala delivered the call summary to him in the SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility): "The staffer, Rheanne Wirkkala, brought Schiff a copy of the call summary, which the White House had sent to Congress at the same time it was released publicly". Schiff's reaction was reportedly one of stunned disbelief, repeatedly saying "Holy shit" as he read through the document. The impeachment report, released by the House Intelligence Committee in December 2019, lists Wirkkala as ["Deputy Director of Investigations"](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-Y4_IN8_18-PURL-gpo129303/pdf/GOVPUB-Y4_IN8_18-PURL-gpo129303.pdf) among the key staff members who contributed to the investigation. The [300-page report](https://coalchicago.com/Images/2019/12/Impeachment-Inquiry-Exec-Summary.pdf) detailed the committee's findings regarding Trump's pressure campaign on Ukraine to investigate [[Joe Biden]] and his son [[Hunter Biden]]. ### Committee Leadership and Staff Changes Throughout her tenure on the committee, Wirkkala witnessed and participated in significant staff changes and reorganizations. When [[Michael Bahar]] left his position as Democratic Staff Director in 2017, [[Timothy Bergreen]] was promoted to succeed him, and Wirkkala was among several staff members who received new responsibilities and titles. The House Intelligence Committee under Schiff's leadership became one of the most politically charged committees in Congress, dealing with some of the most sensitive national security matters. Wirkkala's role required her to navigate complex political dynamics while maintaining the committee's oversight responsibilities over the Intelligence Community. ## Biden Administration: Pentagon Service (2021-2025) ### Transition to Defense Department In February 2021, immediately after President Biden's inauguration, Wirkkala transitioned from Congress to the executive branch, joining the Biden Administration as Special Assistant for Strategy to Secretary of Defense [[Lloyd Austin]]. In this role, she was responsible for developing and advancing the Secretary's departmental strategy, long-term planning, and major initiatives. Her appointment represented a significant career advancement and reflected Austin's confidence in her abilities. According to [the White House description of her role](https://thenationalpulse.com/archive-post/bidens-military-strategy-planner-is-former-adam-schiff-aide/), "Wirkkala helps drive Secretary Austin's national defense priorities, and is responsible for long-term strategic planning for the Secretary of Defense". ### Assistant Secretary Nomination and Confirmation On [[March 11, 2022]], President Biden [nominated Wirkkala](https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/11/president-biden-announces-key-nominees-6/) to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs. This nomination represented one of the most senior Defense Department positions and required Senate confirmation. The role made her the principal staff assistant and senior-most adviser to the Secretary of Defense responsible for managing the Department's relationship with Congress. The confirmation process took several months, during which Wirkkala continued serving in her strategy role. She faced some scrutiny during the process, partly due to her previous involvement in the controversial episodes during her time with Adam Schiff. However, she ultimately received strong bipartisan support. Adam Schiff himself provided a statement supporting her nomination: "She is an intelligence and defense expert — with tremendous experience with the legislative process — and she has served with unmatched integrity". The Senate [confirmed her nomination](https://www.congress.gov/nomination/117th-congress/1860) by voice vote on [[November 17, 2022]], and she was [sworn in on](https://history.defense.gov/Portals/70/Documents/key_officials/KeyOfficials-2025-07-14.pdf?ver=NF9h-ezNiSqaHHUI3x1f3Q%3D%3D) [[November 28, 2022]]. ### Pentagon Leadership Role As Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, Wirkkala became responsible for managing the Defense Department's $850 billion budget advocacy on Capitol Hill and advancing [[DOD]]'s legislative priorities. Her role required extensive interaction with both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, as well as coordination with other executive branch agencies. Her unique background, having worked in both the legislative and executive branches, made her particularly valuable in this position. As she noted in a Yale interview: "There are actually a surprisingly small number of people who have worked in the legislative branch and the executive branch, yet the two sides believe they understand each other perfectly. There's often a lack of ability to find common ground because of these assumptions". During her tenure, she led a team that bridged the gap between the Pentagon and Congress, helping to promote strategy, policy, and budgets during a period of significant national security challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising tensions with China. ### Departure from Pentagon Wirkkala's tenure at the Pentagon came to an end in January 2025, coinciding with the transition to the Trump administration. On her [LinkedIn post announcing her departure](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rheannewirkkala_yesterday-was-my-last-day-at-the-pentagon-activity-7286372050699485184-dqbk), she wrote: "Yesterday was my last day at the Pentagon for a little while. I was laughing and crying and hugging far too much this week...I love this country so much, and it's so painful to leave public service". Her departure was part of the typical transition that occurs when a new administration takes office. She expressed gratitude to Secretary Austin and other Pentagon leaders, noting her pride in her nearly 13 years of federal service. ## Current Role: Clarion Strategies (2025) ### Private Sector Transition In April 2025, Wirkkala announced the launch of Clarion Strategies, a new Washington, D.C. strategic advisory firm. She co-founded the company alongside several other prominent former Biden administration officials, including former Defense Secretary [[Lloyd Austin]], former U.S. NATO Ambassador [[Julianne Smith]], and [former Veterans Affairs Secretary](https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/06/03/how-k-street-reacted-to-musks-bombshell-00384194) [[Denis McDonough]]. The firm's mission, according to their materials, is to "empower our clients with the knowledge, foresight, and networks needed to anticipate risks, seize opportunities, and drive resilient decision-making at a time of tremendous global uncertainty". The company's name reflects their goal of providing clarity to clients navigating complex geopolitical challenges. Other members of the Clarion Strategies team include [[Ely Ratner]], who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs, and [[Lindsey Ford]], who was a South and Southeast Asia adviser at both the Pentagon and NSC under Biden, [working with the firm on a part-time basis](https://www.politico.com/newsletters/national-security-daily/2025/06/04/natos-take-five-moment-00384703). ## Personal Life Wirkkala is married to [[Ian Duncan]], a transportation reporter for The Washington Post. They have two children and live in Maryland. Her husband's role as a journalist has occasionally been noted in political circles, particularly given Wirkkala's high-profile positions in national security. Throughout her career, Wirkkala has maintained memberships in professional organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations as a Term Member and the Truman National Security Project as a Fellow. ## Analysis and Significance ### Career Trajectory Wirkkala's career represents a classic Washington trajectory of moving between different branches of government and eventually into the private sector. Her progression from intelligence analyst to congressional staff to senior Pentagon official demonstrates the interconnected nature of the national security establishment. Her expertise in South Asian affairs, developed during her time at [[DIA]], provided her with substantive knowledge that enhanced her credibility in policy roles. This specialization, combined with her communication skills developed in Congress, made her particularly valuable in bridging technical intelligence matters with policy implementation. ### Role in Major Political Events Wirkkala's involvement in several high-profile political episodes, from the Russian prankster incident to the Trump impeachment, places her at the center of some of the most significant congressional investigations of recent years. Her role as a staff member during these events provides insight into how congressional investigations operate and how senior staff members influence major political processes. The Russian prankster incident, while embarrassing, also demonstrates the challenges faced by congressional staff in an era of sophisticated disinformation campaigns. The incident highlights the difficulties in verifying information and the potential for foreign actors to manipulate even experienced national security professionals. ### Relationship with Adam Schiff Wirkkala's six-year working relationship with [[Adam Schiff]] was clearly transformative for her career. Schiff's support for her Pentagon nomination and his praise for her integrity suggest a strong professional relationship that survived the various controversies during their time working together. Their collaboration during major investigations, including the Russia probe and Trump impeachment, positioned Wirkkala as one of the key behind-the-scenes figures in some of the most consequential congressional investigations in modern American history. ### Legacy and Future Impact As Wirkkala transitions to the private sector with Clarion Strategies, her extensive government experience and relationships position her firm to play a significant role in advising clients on defense and national security matters. The firm's leadership team, combining former senior officials from across the national security establishment, reflects the revolving door nature of Washington's defense and foreign policy community. Her career trajectory from congressional staffer to senior Pentagon official demonstrates the pathways available for career national security professionals and the value of developing expertise across different branches of government.