Late Wednesday, the Justice Department announced it has set up a “strike force” to review “potential next legal action” following the release of new documents regarding the 2016 election to the Director of National Intelligence.
The documents largely do not suggest fraud within the intelligence community during its investigation of Russia’s attempts to sway the election.
Nevertheless, officials from the Trump administration maintain that the Obama administration should face accountability, with President Trump even suggesting that his predecessor committed a crime related to this matter.
“The Department of Justice values its collaboration with Superintendent Gabbard and appreciates the partnership that promotes accountability for Americans. We urge a thorough investigation into these troubling disclosures,” a statement read.
Gabbard recently shared two sets of previously classified documents, claiming they illustrated what he called “essentially a long-standing coup” and an “unpleasant plot” against Trump.
However, an 11-page memo released on Friday detailed internal discussions indicating that Russia did not affect the vote totals, aligning with earlier assessments. Obama officials stated shortly after the election that Russia had not hacked the voting systems.
Instead, the intelligence reports primarily highlighted extensive social media campaigns from Russia aimed at influencing voters to support Trump.
On Monday, Gabbard made public another previously classified report, compiled by House Intelligence Republicans, which contested claims regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support for Trump.
A significant finding of the intelligence assessment was that Putin intended to bolster Trump’s campaign. However, a House report led by Devin Nunes (R-Calif), an ally of Trump, claimed that the CIA did not adhere to proper analytical standards in its conclusions.
The establishment of this task force coincides with Trump’s desire to investigate Obama’s actions.
Obama’s office has responded, calling the accusations a “distraction,” especially as Trump faces increasing pressure to disclose information related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
“Typically, our offices refrain from dignifying the constant flow of nonsense from this White House,” an Obama spokesperson stated. “But these absurd claims warrant a response. They are laughable attempts to divert attention.”
James Clapper, who served as the Director of National Intelligence under Obama, appeared on CNN and emphasized that multiple investigations corroborated the intelligence community’s conclusions about the 2016 election.
“The Senate Intelligence Committee conducted a comprehensive review of Russia’s involvement and supported the conclusions we presented in January 2017,” he noted. “I recall observing this even when an edited version of the report was released.”
