Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday referred former President Barack Obama and key members of his administration to the Department of Justice for potential criminal investigation related to the origins of the intelligence community’s 2016 assessment on Russian election interference.
Speaking at a press briefing at the White House, Gabbard cited declassified materials that she claims show deliberate efforts by Obama and his national security team to produce a knowingly false intelligence assessment in the weeks following the 2016 election.
“We have referred and will continue to refer all of these documents to the Department of Justice and the FBI,” Gabbard said.
There is irrefutable evidence that detail how President Barack Obama and his national security team directed the creation of an intelligence community assessment that they knew was false,” she continued.
Shortly after Gabbard’s remarks, the Department of Justice announced the creation of a new task force to evaluate the materials disclosed and determine whether criminal charges could be pursued.
“Today, the Department of Justice announced the formation of a Strike Force to assess the evidence publicized by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and investigate potential next legal steps which might stem from DNI Gabbard’s disclosures,” the DOJ said in a statement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi , in a statement, confirmed DOJ’s commitment to a full investigation.
“The Department of Justice is proud to work with my friend Director Gabbard and we are grateful for her partnership in delivering accountability for the American people. We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice,” Bondi said.
The developments stem from a series of document releases by Gabbard over recent days.
The documents, which include declassified communications and internal briefings, allegedly show coordination among top Obama-era intelligence officials to produce a revised assessment on Russian election activities that contradicted earlier intelligence conclusions.
Former President Obama responded to the allegations through a spokesperson on Tuesday.
“Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction,” the statement read.
President Donald Trump also responded on his social media platform Truth Social, reiterating his long-standing criticism of the Obama administration’s role in the Russia investigation.
“Obama himself manufactured the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX. Crooked Hillary, Sleepy Joe, and numerous others participated in this, THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY!. Irrefutable EVIDENCE. A major threat to our Country!!!” Trump wrote.
Director Gabbard indicated that additional materials may soon be released, citing ongoing cooperation from whistleblowers.
“We have more coming,” Gabbard said.
“Whistleblowers are continuing to bring forward new information. The American people deserve to know the truth, and we intend to ensure that happens.”
The DOJ Strike Force is expected to begin its review of the evidence immediately.
