Gabbard Alleges Obama Administration Fabricated Intel on 2016 Russian Interference, DOJ Opens Inquiry
Former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has ignited controversy by accusing the Obama administration of manufacturing and politicizing intelligence regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election. Gabbard claims to possess declassified documents that reveal a "treasonous conspiracy" to discredit then-candidate Donald Trump.
These allegations, which include a surprise White House briefing, center on the claim that former President Barack Obama and senior officials deliberately skewed intelligence assessments to undermine President Trump and subvert the will of the American people.
Key Claims From Declassified Documents
Gabbard asserts that prior to the 2016 election, intelligence assessments indicated that Russia was likely not attempting to influence the election through cyber means or direct manipulation of vote counts. She cites emails from 2016 that suggest there was "no indication of a Russian threat to directly manipulate the actual vote count."
According to Gabbard, a significant shift occurred after Trump's victory, leading to the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that concluded Russian President Vladimir Putin had a "clear preference" for Trump. She alleges this assessment was "manufactured" and relied on unreliable sources, including the Steele Dossier.
Gabbard also references a "whistleblower" who reportedly served in the intelligence community at the time and could not "concur in good conscience" with the judgment that Russia had a "decisive preference" for Trump. She argues that the ICA selectively quoted or ignored intelligence reports that challenged its conclusions.
Gabbard Refers Documents to DOJ, Trump Supports Actions
Gabbard has formally referred the declassified documents and findings to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, urging a full criminal investigation. She stated that "every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
In response, the DOJ has announced the creation of a "strike force" to investigate Gabbard's claims and consider potential legal actions. President Trump has publicly supported Gabbard's actions, labeling the revelations as "proof of treason" and praising her.
Obama Administration Responds, Refutes Allegations
Spokespersons for former President Obama have strongly refuted Gabbard's allegations, dismissing them as "ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction." They maintain that "nothing in the document issued undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes."
Critics Question Gabbard's Motives and Timing
Critics, including many analysts and Democratic officials, argue that Gabbard's claims and the declassified documents do not present new information and do not contradict the established conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. They point to numerous investigations, including those by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the House Intelligence Committee, and the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, which affirmed Russian meddling.
These critics accuse Gabbard of "weaponizing her position to amplify the president's election conspiracy theories" and of conflating different aspects of Russian interference, such as hacking voting machines versus influence campaigns. Questions have also been raised about the timing of the release of these documents, nearly eight years after they were first drafted, with some suggesting it is politically motivated.
Stakeholders Involved
Key stakeholders in this unfolding situation include:
- Tulsi Gabbard (DNI)
- Donald Trump (President)
- Barack Obama (former President)
- James Clapper (former DNI)
- John Brennan (former CIA Director)
- Susan Rice (former National Security Advisor)
- John Kerry (former Secretary of State)
- Loretta Lynch (former Attorney General)
- Andrew McCabe (former FBI Deputy Director)
- The Department of Justice
- The FBI
- The Intelligence Community (CIA, NSA, DHS)
Controversy Surrounding Russian Interference in 2016 Election
These developments are part of the broader controversy surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 US election and efforts to discredit the findings of various intelligence and congressional investigations into the matter. This comes amidst ongoing Republican scrutiny of the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.
