The US Department of Justice has formed a strike force to investigate allegations that the Obama administration used false intelligence to suggest Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election to benefit Donald Trump. This follows the release of declassified documents by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who alleges a "years-long coup" against Trump. Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint a special counsel to investigate.

Gabbard claims Obama and senior officials manufactured intelligence to show collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia. She recommends criminal charges, a view echoed by Trump, who calls the findings "irrefutable proof" of treason. Bondi stated the Justice Department will fully investigate the disclosures. However, a Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution for acts committed during their presidency may hinder any attempt to prosecute Obama. Obama's office called the allegations "outrageous" and "ridiculous."

The investigation could also target several other individuals named in Gabbard's documents, including former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey, and former National Security Advisor Susan Rice. While Trump previously accepted the FBI's findings of Russian interference, Gabbard's report, based on a 2020 House Intelligence Committee report, suggests Russia's goal was to undermine faith in the US electoral process, not specifically help Trump. Some intelligence veterans have criticized Gabbard's efforts, citing concerns about the politicization of the intelligence community.

Impact Statement: This investigation could have significant political ramifications, potentially leading to further partisan division and legal challenges.