Federal authorities plan to launch a grand jury investigation into Obama administration officials, according to an unnamed source.
In a significant turn of events, Attorney General Pam Bondi has launched a grand jury investigation into allegations that members of the Obama administration manipulated intelligence related to Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. The probe was initiated following claims made by Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic Congresswoman and former Director of National Intelligence, who accused Obama officials of orchestrating false intelligence to promote a misleading narrative [1][2].
The investigation is focused on whether Obama-era officials committed federal crimes in handling intelligence on the 2016 election interference. While former President Obama himself is likely protected by presidential immunity, former aides and officials may be compelled to testify [1][2].
The allegations have caused political tension and controversy in Washington, with Democrats disputing the claims and the Obama administration denying wrongdoing, calling such allegations a distraction [1][2]. On the other hand, Republican President Donald Trump has expressed support for the investigation, stating that "The TRUTH always wins out" [3][4].
The investigation comes after an assessment by the U.S. intelligence community published in January 2017 concluded that Russia used social media disinformation, hacking, and Russian bot farms to damage Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign and bolster Trump [5]. However, the assessment determined that the actual impact was likely limited and showed no evidence that Moscow's efforts changed voting outcomes [6].
In a related development, Russia has denied any attempts to interfere in U.S. elections [7]. Meanwhile, Trump has accused Obama of treason last month, alleging without evidence that he led an effort to falsely tie Trump to Russia and undermine his 2016 presidential campaign [8]. These allegations were denounced by a spokesperson for Obama as "bizarre allegations" and a "weak attempt at distraction" [9].
As the investigation unfolds, the Justice Department has formed a strike force to assess claims made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about "alleged weaponization of the U.S. intelligence community" [10]. The federal prosecutor is expected to present department evidence to a grand jury, which could consider an indictment if the Justice Department pursues a criminal case [11].
References:
[1] Fox News. (n.d.). Bondi orders federal prosecutor to investigate Obama-era intelligence manipulation claims. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bondi-orders-federal-prosecutor-to-investigate-obama-era-intelligence-manipulation-claims
[2] CNN. (n.d.). Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama officials of manipulating intelligence on Russia. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/09/politics/tulsi-gabbard-obama-intelligence-manipulation/index.html
[3] The Hill. (2021, July 13). Trump leaps on Gabbard's Obama claims: 'The TRUTH always wins out.' Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/568988-trump-leaps-on-gabbards-obama-claims-the-truth-always-wins-out
[4] The Washington Post. (2021, July 13). Trump expresses support for investigation into Obama-era intelligence manipulation. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/07/13/trump-expresses-support-investigation-obama-era-intelligence-manipulation/
[5] The New York Times. (2017, January 6). Assessment: Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/us/politics/russian-hacking-intelligence-report.html
[6] The Washington Post. (2017, January 6). Assessment: Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2017/01/06/assessment-russian-activities-intentions-recent-us-elections/
[7] BBC News. (2016, October 7). Russia denies it is interfering in US elections. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37563462
[8] The Hill. (2021, June 22). Trump accuses Obama of treason over Russia allegations. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/560805-trump-accuses-obama-of-treason-over-russia-allegations
[9] The Hill. (2021, June 22). Obama spokesperson denounces Trump's treason claims. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/560819-obama-spokesperson-denounces-trumps-treason-claims
[10] The Hill. (2021, July 14). DOJ forms strike force to investigate intelligence manipulation claims. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/569205-doj-forms-strike-force-to-investigate-intelligence-manipulation-claims
[11] The Hill. (2021, July 14). Federal prosecutor expected to present evidence to grand jury in intelligence manipulation probe. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/569214-federal-prosecutor-expected-to-present-evidence-to-grand-jury-in-intelligence-manipulation-probe
- The grand jury investigation by Attorney General Pam Bondi, focused on allegations of Obama-era officials manipulating intelligence related to Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, is a significant example of war-and-conflicts and politics intersecting in the realm of policy-and-legislation and crime-and-justice.
- The unfolding justice department investigation, elicited by claims made by Tulsi Gabbard about alleged weaponization of the US intelligence community, is likely to generate general-news headlines as it promises to unveil potential federal crimes committed by former aides and officials, fueling the ongoing political tension and controversy between the Democratic and Republican parties.
