Second intel official may file whistleblower complaint against Trump containing firsthand info

A second intelligence officer who was alarmed by President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine may soon file a second whistleblower complaint and testify to Congress, the New York Times reported Friday.

The official reportedly has more direct information about Trump's July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky than the first whistleblower, two officials briefed on the matter told the Times, which may bolster the credibility of the complaint.

The official was also among those interviewed by Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson to corroborate the claims made by the first whistleblower, the Times reported.

However, the new potential whistleblower may not have to file an official whistleblower complaint because he has already met with Atkinson's office. Government officials who meet with inspectors general are "protected by federal law that outlaws reprisals against officials who cooperate with an inspector general," according to the Times.

The first whistleblower, a registered Democrat and career CIA officer, did not have firsthand knowledge of the president's alleged inappropriate activities. Rather, he filed his complaint based on information relayed to him by numerous government officials with direct knowledge of Trump's phone conversation.

Still, despite potential political bias and lack of firsthand knowledge, Atkinson has said neither factor impacted the legitimacy of the whistleblower's complaint.

The development comes as House Democrats escalate their impeachment inquiry against the president.

On Friday, House Democrats issued a subpoena to the White House for documents related to the Ukraine scandal as well as a documents request to Vice President Mike Pence.