Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has unleashed a major political bombshell, alleging that former President Barack Obama and his senior national security team orchestrated a “treasonous conspiracy” to undermine President Trump’s 2016 election victory. Gabbard is now calling for formal criminal charges against Obama-era officials — including James Clapper, John Brennan, James Comey, Susan Rice, and John Kerry — accusing them of subverting the American people’s will.
What Gabbard Claims
Gabbard has released a trove of declassified documents, including:
- A December 2016 Presidential Daily Brief stating:
“We assess that Russian and criminal actors did not impact recent US election results by conducting malicious cyber activities against election infrastructure.” - Evidence of a December 9 NSC meeting where Gabbard asserts President Obama and officials ordered a revised intelligence assessment “per the President’s request,” using what she labels “manufactured” information, including the discredited Steele dossie.
Gabbard’s office describes these efforts as part of “a years-long coup” that “subverted the will of the people” who legally voted for Trump in November 2016.
Legal Accountability Now Urged
Gabbard has referred the newly declassified records to the Department of Justice, urging criminal prosecutions for treason, obstruction of justice, and official misconduct.
“No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she declared. “Accountability is critical. The people’s faith in our justice system depends on this.”
Media and Political Pushback
Democrats and intelligence professionals have quickly dismissed the claim. Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Sen. Mark Warner called Gabbard’s allegations “not competent” and reaffirmed bipartisan findings of Russian meddling in 2016.
Rep. Jim Himes accused her of reviving “baseless accusations of treason” and insisted bipartisan investigations validated the original intelligence assessments .
Indeed, a bipartisan Senate inquiry and the Mueller Report confirmed Russian interference—focusing on hacking and disinformation campaigns—though stopping short of concluding deliberate collusion with the Trump campaign.
Context & Broader Implications
Gabbard’s claims surface amid mounting pressure on the Trump administration to release previously sealed Epstein-related documents. Trump allies have increasingly pinned blame on Obama-era intelligence leaders—particularly Clapper, Brennan, and Comey—for pushing the Russia narrative as a smear campaign.
The White House has not responded to Gabbard’s latest call for prosecution, but DOJ officials have confirmed that the documents are under review and could prompt formal assessments soon.
