DOJ opens probe of alleged 'Russiagate' conspiracy against Trump

Chris Strohm, Bloomberg News on Aug 4, 2025

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into claims that national security officials participated in a conspiracy in late 2016 and early 2017 to link President Donald Trump to Russia’s election interference and undermine his legitimacy, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors to use a grand jury to investigate claims made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, said the person, who asked not to be identified speaking about a confidential matter.

Gabbard claimed last month that officials working under former President Barack Obama “manufactured and politicized intelligence to lay the groundwork for what was essentially a yearslong coup against President Trump.” Gabbard made a criminal referral to the Justice Department to investigate that matter.

It wasn’t immediately clear what specific actions are under investigation and whether prosecutors will use an existing grand jury or convene a new one. It also wasn’t clear in which city and court the case will be presented.

The Justice Department declined to comment. Fox News reported earlier on the investigation.

Federal prosecutors usually are able to persuade grand juries to issue subpoenas and indictments, however they sometimes fail to do so if there isn’t sufficient evidence.

Gabbard and her top aides released declassified documents they claim are evidence of an Obama administration conspiracy to subvert Trump’s 2016 victory and his presidency.

Two of the main points Gabbard’s office made is that Obama and his top aides misled the public when they issued an intelligence assessment in early 2017 saying there was high confidence that Russia interfered in the 2016 election in order to help get Trump elected.

Her office also claims that Obama-era officials improperly included an unverified document as an annex to the assessment that made salacious claims about Trump. Gabbard and her top aides claim the actions were done to damage Trump as he took over as president.

Obama spokesman Patrick Rodenbush issued a statement after Gabbard made her claims.

“Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response,” he said. “But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”