Spicer Comments on Trump Administration’s Allegations
In a recent interview, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer remarked that the Trump administration should look into allegations regarding the manipulation of intelligence reports about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
In late July, President Trump called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate former President Obama and his officials more thoroughly. This came after a criminal referral was sent to the DOJ by National Intelligence Director Tarsi Gabbard, following claims of involvement in an alleged “rebellious plot” by Obama.
“If these guys build up this narrative and don’t take any action, it could upset a lot of people,” Spicer noted during his interview. “I think there’s a lot at stake here.”
Reacting to Gabbard’s report, Trump stated that several former White House staff members should face criminal charges.
When asked on July 22 whom the DOJ should focus on, Trump said, “From what I’ve seen, it all leads back to President Obama. He initiated this.” He mentioned former Vice President Joe Biden, former FBI Director James Comey, former DNI Director James Clapper, and former CIA Director John Brennan as key figures involved.
Spicer added that the public wouldn’t back down when seeking information regarding Obama’s alleged misconduct.
“I believe they’re trying to create the impression that something significant is happening. There’s a lot of enthusiasm around this issue,” Spicer said, hinting that the public has high hopes for tangible outcomes. “But I’m not quite sure what’s coming yet, it feels like expectations are being set.”
Obama’s office, however, called Trump’s assertions “peculiar” and pointed out the timing amidst criticisms aimed at the Trump administration for not providing enough information related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
“These bizarre allegations are just desperate distractions,” said Obama spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush in a statement directed to News Nation. “The documents from last week confirm that Russia attempted to influence the 2016 presidential election, but did not manage to alter the voting process. This was corroborated in a 2020 report by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which was led by Marco Rubio.”
Former CIA Director John Brennan and former National Intelligence Director James Clapper also issued statements to counter Trump’s claims, affirming, “All credible investigations reaffirmed the consensus of the intelligence community: that there was a campaign aimed at assisting Russian efforts in the 2016 election.”
