The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a new “strike force” to investigate allegations stemming from records recently declassified by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The documents reportedly implicate former President Barack Obama and several of his top national security and intelligence officials in orchestrating the Trump-Russia collusion narrative ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Announced Wednesday night, the DOJ stated that the strike force will assess potential legal actions in response to evidence suggesting that Obama-era officials may have “manufactured” intelligence to support claims that then-candidate Donald Trump colluded with Russia. A source close to the effort told Fox News Digital that all investigative options remain on the table. The DOJ’s National Security Division is expected to play a leading role.
Attorney General Pam Bondi commended Gabbard for her cooperation and transparency, emphasizing that the DOJ “will leave no stone unturned” in its pursuit of accountability. The newly formed task force consists of experienced prosecutors and investigators who typically focus on serious crimes such as wire fraud, money laundering, false statements, and conspiracy.
This development follows a criminal referral issued in July by CIA Director John Ratcliffe against former CIA Director John Brennan. Ratcliffe’s review of the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) revealed procedural flaws and deviations from standard intelligence protocols, especially regarding the inclusion of the discredited Steele Dossier.
FBI Director Kash Patel has since opened criminal investigations into both Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey. While the full scope of those investigations is unclear, officials described their actions as potentially conspiratorial. The DOJ reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all credible leads.