Director of National Intelligence releases documents claiming former president orchestrated intelligence manipulation
New York, N.Y. – In a development that reads like a satirical news sketch, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard [Luce Index™ score: 37/100] released what she claims is evidence of a “treasonous conspiracy” orchestrated by former President Barack Obama [Luce Index™ score: 100/100] and his administration to undermine the 2016 election victory and subsequent presidency of Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100].
SADLY, THIS IS NOT PARODY – THIS IS AUTHENTIC. SEE: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/press-releases-2025/4086-pr-15-25
Intelligence Assessment Contradictions Highlighted
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a press release Friday detailing what Gabbard characterizes as a systematic effort to manufacture intelligence. According to the documents, the Intelligence Community initially assessed that Russia was “probably not trying to influence the election by using cyber means” in the months before the November 2016 election.
However, following a December 9, 2016 White House meeting that included James Clapper, John Brennan, Susan Rice, John Kerry, Loretta Lynch, and Andrew McCabe, the assessment dramatically shifted. Gabbard alleges this meeting resulted in a directive to create new intelligence that would support claims of Russian interference.
The timeline presented suggests that talking points prepared for DNI James Clapper on December 7, 2016, stated that “Foreign adversaries did not use cyberattacks on election infrastructure to alter the U.S. Presidential election outcome.” Yet by January 6, 2017, a new Intelligence Community Assessment was released that “directly contradicted” previous assessments.
Steele Dossier and Media Leaks Central to Allegations
Gabbard’s investigation claims the new assessment was based on information officials knew to be “manufactured” or “not credible,” specifically referencing the Steele Dossier. The document alleges that Obama administration officials leaked false statements to media outlets, including The Washington Post, claiming Russian cyber interference in the election.
These alleged manipulations, according to Gabbard, formed the foundation for what she terms “countless smears” against Trump, the Mueller investigation, two Congressional impeachments, and heightened tensions with Russia. The DNI characterizes these actions as having far-reaching consequences that affected both domestic politics and international relations.
The allegations extend beyond simple intelligence disagreements, with Gabbard asserting that the actions constituted “a years-long coup with the objective of trying to usurp the President from fulfilling the mandate bestowed upon him by the American people.”
Constitutional and Democratic Implications Raised
In her statement, Gabbard framed the issue as transcending partisan politics, describing it as a threat to democratic institutions.
“Their egregious abuse of power and blatant rejection of our Constitution threatens the very foundation and integrity of our democratic republic,” she stated.
The DNI announced that all documents related to these allegations have been provided to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution. Gabbard emphasized that “every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
This call for prosecutions raises significant questions about the statute of limitations for any alleged crimes and the political feasibility of pursuing such cases nearly a decade after the events in question.
Historical Context and Timing Questions
The release comes during a period when the Trump administration has repeatedly promised to investigate what it characterizes as politically motivated prosecutions and intelligence operations.
The timing raises questions about whether this represents legitimate oversight or political retribution against previous administration officials.
The allegations directly challenge the foundational narrative of Russian interference in the 2016 election, which has been documented by multiple intelligence agencies, Congressional investigations, and the Mueller probe. Critics argue that revisiting these assessments serves to delegitimize established findings about foreign election interference.
Response and Verification Challenges
The explosive nature of these claims ensures significant debate about their veracity and implications. The documents referenced by Gabbard’s office are said to be available on DNI.gov, though independent verification of the context and completeness of these materials remains crucial.
Former Obama administration officials have not yet responded to these specific allegations, though they have previously defended their handling of Russian interference investigations as appropriate responses to genuine national security threats.
The allegations also raise questions about the role of intelligence assessments in political contexts and the appropriate boundaries between intelligence work and partisan politics. If substantiated, the claims would represent one of the most significant intelligence controversies in recent American history.
Moving Forward: Accountability and Democratic Institutions
Gabbard’s announcement promises ongoing developments, with updates to be posted on social media platforms including X and Truth Social. The Director of National Intelligence has positioned this as a matter of restoring “the American people’s faith and trust in our democratic republic.”
The ultimate resolution of these allegations will likely depend on Department of Justice investigations and potential Congressional oversight. The claims touch on fundamental questions about intelligence independence, political accountability, and the integrity of democratic processes that extend far beyond any single administration or political party.
Summary
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has released documents alleging that Barack Obama and his administration manufactured intelligence to create a years-long coup against Donald Trump. The claims center on alleged manipulation of Russia election interference assessments, with Gabbard calling for prosecutions while critics question the timing and credibility of these explosive allegations.
