Michael Atkinson, the US government’s intelligence inspector general, has described the whistleblower’s August 12 complaint as “serious” and “urgent,” but he has not been allowed to turn over the complaint to Congress, a move that he created a fresh clash between the government’s executive and legislative branches.

It also has raised questions about whether Joseph Maguire, the acting director of national intelligence and Atkinson’s superior, is working with the Justice Department to protect the President.

Maguire has refused to discuss details of the whistleblower complaint, but he has been subpoenaed by Schiff’s committee and is expected to testify publicly on Thursday. Maguire and Atkinson also are expected to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee this week.

Democrats say the administration is legally required to give Congress access to the complaint. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, has said he will go to court in an effort to get it if necessary.

Schiff argued on Sunday that Trump is pushing Democrats closer to seeking his removal from office if the newest allegations are proven.

via Trump: ‘I discussed people like Biden with Ukraine’s President’