Mystery after promised MKUltra files release DELAYED as new intel boss takes control

By CHARLIE SPIERING, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 23:02, 24 June 2026 | Updated: 23:02, 24 June 2026 The future of the long-awaited disclosure of files related to the CIA's infamous MKUltra mind-control program remains in doubt, after a power shuffle shook up the Office of National Intelligence. MKUltra, launched in the 1950s, used psychedelic drugs, hypnosis and electroshock therapy on subjects in pursuit of discovering mind control techniques. Much of the records were destroyed in 1972 when CIA Director Richard Helms ordered them incinerated when he learned that President Nixon would replace him. Director Gabbard made it a priority to search and release any remaining documents against one of the biggest stains on American intelligence operations. Podcasters like Joe Rogan and other investigations into the program have resurfaced questions about the program into the popular consciousness. Any remaining ghosts of the infamous CIA program may remain hidden. Director Gabbard was expected to release the files prior to her departure last Friday, sources familiar with expectations told the Daily Mail. Gabbard delayed her resignation by a month after announcing in May that she was stepping down to care for her husband Abraham, who has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard focused her position on declassifying secrets Sidney Gottlieb of the Central Intelligence Agency was responsible for the agency’s Cold War mind-control and behavior-modification programs Dr. Harry L. Williams (left) administers LSD 25 (lysergic acid diethylamide) to Dr. Carl Pfeiffer, chairman of Emory University's Pharmacological Department, to produce effects similar to those experienced by schizophrenics But Gabbard left the building last week without any updates on MKUltra. Further disclosure on the elusive files are now in doubt, as the Daily Mail has learned that it is not a top priority for Trump's new acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte. The Office of National Intelligence did not return a request for comment. Pulte is more focused on reducing the size of the office he is now charged with leading and has a top mandate from the President to reveal any intelligence operations surrounding the 2020 election, sources told the Daily Mail. Whistleblower James Erdman III, a former CIA officer, claims the agency retrieved 40 boxes of files related to JFK assassination records and MKUltra that were about to be processed for declassification, a claim the CIA disputes. Rep. Ana Paulina Luna announced a public hearing on Tuesday, promising to investigate 'Mind Control and Accountability: Uncovering the Truth of the CIA’s MKULTRA Experiments.' 'The intelligence community’s unwillingness to deliver the truth has fueled dangerous conspiracy theories and eroded public trust in the federal government,' she said in a statement. The hearing is expected to feature two witnesses: Stephen Kinzer, a former New York Times journalist and investigative journalist Tom O’Neill, the author of the book Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. Trump has appointed Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte to serve as an acting Director of National Intelligence  Bill Pulte's priorities are to reduce the ODNI workforce and disclose intelligence surrounding the 2020 presidential election President Donald Trump watches as CIA Director John Ratcliffe speaks with reporters i The timing of the Congressional hearings is not coordinated around any upcoming document releases from the ODNI, a source confirmed. Luna remains fully committed to more disclosure of CIA secrets, despite creating some friction with the agency. Luna was closely aligned with Gabbard’s declassification efforts, a source familiar with her efforts told the Daily Mail. Luna similarly extended a warm welcome on social media to Pulte after the President appointed him. But Pulte appears more focused on cutting the size of the ODNI. After taking charge of the ODNI last week, Pulte fired six career and political intelligence officials on the spot and reassigned 45 career officials back to their home agencies.  Among those forced out of the building was Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration Will Ruger, a Gabbard ally who raised red flags among Republican hawks due to his record of opposing any United States war with Iran.  Pulte's efforts are backed by President Trump and also favored by Republican senators led by Senator Tom Cotton and prominent figures in the CIA, who feel the ODNI exists as an unnecessary overlap of national intelligence responsibilities.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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