Attorney General Pam Bondi has launched an unprecedented investigation into allegations that could reshape the narrative of the 2016 presidential election aftermath.
According to Breitbart, the Department of Justice announced on Wednesday the formation of a special strike force to examine evidence released by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard regarding the Obama administration's alleged manipulation of intelligence assessments in 2017.
The investigation stems from a newly declassified House Intelligence Committee oversight report that suggests the Obama administration deliberately engineered an intelligence assessment to promote what became known as the Russia Collusion narrative following Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election.
Director Gabbard's office has released documentation claiming to show Obama's direct role in the controversy. The evidence suggests high-level interference in intelligence processes during the transition period after the 2016 election.
During a White House press briefing, Gabbard revealed that the matter has been referred to the Department of Justice and FBI for potential criminal investigation. The DNI emphasized that multiple pieces of evidence point to President Obama's leadership role.
Bondi expressed strong support for the investigation, stating that her department would work closely with Gabbard to ensure accountability. The Attorney General promised a thorough examination of all available evidence.
The strike force will focus on examining the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, which Gabbard claims was deliberately manipulated. The investigation will scrutinize the decision-making processes and individuals involved.
The declassified report suggests that senior officials within the Obama administration may have coordinated with media partners to promote certain narratives. This collaboration allegedly aimed to undermine Trump's legitimacy as president-elect.
According to the documentation, the intelligence assessment process deviated from standard procedures. The strike force will investigate whether these deviations were politically motivated.
The Department of Justice has pledged to pursue all leads regardless of political implications. The strike force includes experienced investigators from various federal agencies.
Bondi emphasized that the investigation would be conducted without prejudice or predetermined outcomes. The Attorney General's statement indicated that the probe would follow evidence wherever it leads.
The strike force has been granted broad authority to interview witnesses and examine classified materials related to the 2017 assessment. This includes access to communications between key officials during the relevant period.
The investigation represents a significant escalation in efforts to examine the origins of the Russia collusion narrative. Multiple government agencies will coordinate their resources under the strike force's direction.
Current evidence suggests potential violations of federal laws regarding the handling and presentation of intelligence information. The strike force will determine whether criminal charges are warranted based on their findings.
The Department of Justice has indicated that preliminary findings could be released within months, though the full investigation may take longer to complete. The outcomes could have far-reaching implications for former administration officials and intelligence community leaders.