DoJ Launches Grand Jury Probe Into Alleged 2016 Election Intelligence Fabrication

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 06:36 IST

The development follows a formal referral by Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

As part of the grand jury process now underway, subpoenas are expected to be issued (Instagram)

The US Department of Justice (DoJ), under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, has initiated a grand jury investigation into allegations surrounding the intelligence used in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. According to a source familiar with the matter, who spoke to CNN, federal prosecutors will examine claims that members of the Obama administration deliberately manufactured intelligence suggesting Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The development follows a formal referral by Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. In early July, Gabbard declassified several documents which she claims undermine the widely accepted conclusion that Russia sought to assist Donald Trump in defeating Hillary Clinton. In her referral to the DoJ, Gabbard called for an investigation into former President Barack Obama and senior officials in his administration, alleging an orchestrated effort to damage Trump’s credibility and legitimacy.

In a public statement issued after the declassification on July 17, Gabbard described the materials as evidence of a “treasonous conspiracy" and a “years-long coup" against Trump. She accused Obama-era officials of attempting to subvert the outcome of the 2016 election by framing Trump as being in collusion with the Kremlin.

As part of the grand jury process now underway, subpoenas are expected to be issued to gather testimony and evidence regarding the alleged fabrication of intelligence. A spokesperson for the DoJ told Fox News that Attorney General Bondi is treating the referral “very seriously" and believes there is “clear cause for deep concern." Further details on the scope and targets of the investigation remain undisclosed.

It is not yet clear which former officials might face charges. However, reports suggest that scrutiny could fall on several high-profile figures from the Obama intelligence community.

According to Fox News, three former officials, former Director of Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former FBI Director James Comey, are under increased examination due to their roles in shaping the intelligence narratives of the time.

Meanwhile, Democrats have strongly rejected Gabbard’s allegations, citing the conclusions of a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee investigation, which found that Russia had indeed made efforts to influence the 2016 US election in Trump’s favour.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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