By Steve Neavling
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered federal prosecutors to launch a grand jury investigation into allegations that the Obama administration fabricated intelligence about Russian interference in the 2016 election, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The move follows comments from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who recently declassified documents she says show a “treasonous conspiracy” by top Obama officials to undermine Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign. Her claims, which Democrats have dismissed as politically motivated and false, prompted the Justice Department to form a strike force late last month to examine whether the intelligence community was “weaponized.”
Fox News first reported that Bondi personally directed a federal prosecutor to begin legal proceedings, and that the case is expected to go before a grand jury. A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.
Trump, who has repeatedly accused former President Barack Obama of treason without offering evidence, praised the investigation in a post on Truth Social, writing, “The TRUTH always wins out. This is great news.”
A spokesperson for Obama rejected the allegations, calling them “bizarre” and “a weak attempt at distraction.”
A 2017 report from the U.S. intelligence community concluded that Russia interfered in the election to hurt Hillary Clinton’s campaign and help Trump, using social media disinformation, hacking, and bot networks. While the assessment said Russia’s efforts likely had a limited impact and didn’t alter the outcome, the Kremlin has denied any involvement.
