U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed federal prosecutors to convene a grand jury to investigate claims that officials from former President Barack Obama's administration fabricated intelligence about Russian interference in the 2016 election, a source told Reuters on Monday.
The investigation stems from a referral by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who recently declassified documents alleging a "treasonous conspiracy" to falsely link Donald Trump to Russia during his presidential campaign. Gabbard has hinted at pursuing legal action against Obama-era officials.
The Justice Department has reportedly assembled a "strike force" to review Gabbard's allegations about the alleged "weaponization" of intelligence agencies. Fox News reported that Bondi assigned a federal prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury, which could potentially lead to indictments. The DOJ has declined to comment.
Trump, who defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016, has repeatedly accused Obama of treason, claiming—without evidence—that he orchestrated efforts to undermine Trump's campaign.
A 2017 intelligence report concluded that Russia sought to influence the 2016 election in Trump's favor but found no evidence of altered votes. Obama's spokesperson has dismissed the allegations as "bizarre" and "ridiculous."
(Source: Xinhua)
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