In a startling revelation during a Fox News interview, CIA Director John Ratcliffe indicated that former high-ranking intelligence officials from the Obama administration could face criminal prosecution, regardless of statute of limitations concerns.
According to Breitbart, Ratcliffe's statements during "Sunday Morning Futures" specifically targeted former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. The possibility of prosecution stems from their testimonies given within the past five years, which allegedly contradict newly declassified intelligence.
The investigation centers around the controversial Steele dossier and its role in the Russia collusion investigation during the 2016 election. Ratcliffe revealed that recent intelligence shows the involvement of both Hillary Clinton's campaign and FBI officials in amplifying what he describes as false Russia collusion claims against Donald Trump's presidency.
Recent declassification recommendations made by Ratcliffe to the Department of Justice are expected to reveal damaging information in the John Durham report's classified annex. The intelligence allegedly demonstrates how the FBI acted as an "accelerant" to promote the Steele dossier's claims.
The investigation has uncovered what Ratcliffe describes as a coordinated effort between Hillary Clinton's campaign and federal agencies. This collaboration allegedly aimed to legitimize and amplify the Russia collusion narrative through intelligence community assessments.
Both Brennan and Clinton provided sworn testimony to various bodies between 2020 and 2022, which Ratcliffe suggests may conflict with newly uncovered evidence. This timing becomes crucial as it falls within the five-year statute of limitations for potential perjury charges.
The Department of Justice, under new leadership, has established a strike force led by Pam Bondi to investigate these matters. This represents a significant shift in how the department approaches allegations against former intelligence officials.
Ratcliffe emphasized that the current investigation is not about political retribution but rather about understanding the mechanics of what he terms a "hoax." The focus appears to be on preventing similar incidents from occurring in future elections.
The CIA Director also highlighted the importance of the ongoing declassification process. This process aims to expose not just what happened but specifically how intelligence agencies and political operatives potentially coordinated their efforts.
Recent testimonies by key figures have become central to the investigation's timeline. James Comey's appearance before the Senate committee in September 2020 and Hillary Clinton's testimony to John Durham in 2022 are now under renewed scrutiny.
The investigation is examining how these testimonies align with newly declassified intelligence. Ratcliffe suggests that significant discrepancies exist between sworn statements and the evidence contained in the Durham report's classified annex.
This development has prompted multiple criminal referrals from both Ratcliffe and current DNI Gabbard. These referrals specifically target potential false statements made during congressional testimonies.
The investigation has expanded beyond the initial scope of the Russia collusion narrative. It now encompasses both the handling of the Steele dossier in 2016 and the treatment of the Hunter Biden laptop story in 2020.
Legal experts suggest that while some statute of limitations may have expired for certain offenses, newer testimonies could still lead to criminal charges. The focus appears to be on statements made under oath within the past five years.
The Department of Justice is now positioned to act on multiple criminal referrals and newly declassified intelligence. This development suggests that major legal actions against former Obama administration officials may be imminent, potentially reshaping the narrative around the 2016 election interference investigation.
