| Published July 20, 2025
“I say these words very clearly: What they did was a treasonous conspiracy.” With those explosive words, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard set Washington ablaze, declassifying over 100 pages of intelligence documents that she says reveal a deliberate effort by former President Barack Obama and top intelligence officials to subvert the results of the 2016 election. In a stunning public address and follow-up interviews, Gabbard accused the Obama-era leadership of knowingly pushing a false narrative of Russian collusion—what she calls “the Russia hoax”—to undermine President Donald Trump and the will of the American people. The backlash was immediate, drawing fierce criticism from political opponents and igniting a firestorm of debate over truth, treason, and the politicization of intelligence.
🔍 Gabbard’s “Treasonous Conspiracy” Charges
Tulsi Gabbard, now the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has declassified and released 100+ intelligence documents, primarily from late 2016. In her report, she asserts that President Obama and senior intelligence officials—including James Clapper, John Brennan, and James Comey—manufactured and politicized a narrative of Russian election interference. According to Gabbard:
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The intelligence community had determined Russia “probably was not trying … to influence the election by using cyber means” ahead of the vote
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Post-election, officials reportedly continued promoting the Russia-collusion narrative—despite knowing it lacked evidentiary backing—with the goal of subverting the will of the American voters and initiating a “years-long coup” against then-President Trump
Gabbard labeled these actions “treasonous,” and has formally referred the case to the Justice Department for potential criminal charges
🗣️ Gabbard’s Media Remarks
On Sean Hannity’s show, Gabbard emphasized:
“Obama’s goal with the Russia hoax was to subvert the American people’s will”
She framed the issue as non-partisan, focusing on “the integrity and strength of our democratic republic,” and linking the hoax to costly consequences—Mueller probe, impeachments, tensions with Russia, and taxpayer expenses
⚖️ Political Backlash & Counterarguments
The reaction from lawmakers and analysts was swift and sharp:
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Sen. Mark Warner (D‑Va.)—Vice Chair of the Senate Intel Committee—at the Aspen Security Forum declared Gabbard “not competent”, accusing her of politicizing intelligence, harming relations with allies, and insisting Russia did interfere
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Sen. Jim Himes (D‑Conn.) cited a bipartisan Senate Intelligence report reaffirming Russian intervention as a counterintelligence threat, while rejecting any scheme to overthrow the election
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Keith Olbermann, a political commentator, mocked Gabbard on X/Twitter as “skunk hair,” dismissing her claims as “misinformed and inflammatory” The Daily Beast+1Fox News+1.
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Fox News legal analyst John Yoo appeared to critique the legal validity of her claims, questioning the grounds for a prosecution Fox News.
Meanwhile, Gabbard’s team countered Warner’s critique with barbs, calling him a “loser” and accusing him of falling for “politicized intelligence like the debunked Russia Hoax” The Daily Beast+1Politico+1.
🧩 Summary & Significance
| Key Issue | Gabbard’s Claim | Critics’ Rebuttal |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Obama-era officials “manufactured” Russian narrative to delegitimize Trump | Senate Intel Committee and GOP-supported legal reports confirm some interference, but no coup |
| Evidence | ~100 pages of declassified emails and memos | Critics say these documents don’t substantiate criminal intent, only reflect internal debate |
| Impact | She’s pushed for DOJ prosecution | Critics argue accusations are baseless, politically motivated, and harmful to U.S. intelligence credibility |
📺 Watch the Highlight
This Fox News clip features Gabbard announcing her findings and calling for prosecution:
🧨 Implications: A Political and Legal Earthquake
Tulsi Gabbard’s explosive allegations don’t just revisit the controversial origins of the Russia collusion narrative—they have the potential to redefine the legacy of an entire era of U.S. politics. By labeling the Obama administration’s post-2016 actions as a “treasonous conspiracy,” Gabbard is:
🔹 1. Challenging the Legitimacy of a Decade of Narratives
If her claims hold, the dominant media and political narrative that framed President Trump as compromised by Russia could collapse. This would damage the credibility of major institutions—legacy media, former intelligence leaders, and even Congress—that spent years reinforcing that narrative.
🔹 2. Opening the Door to Prosecution of Former Officials
Her formal referral of the case to the Department of Justice signals a possible criminal investigation into figures like James Comey, John Brennan, and even Barack Obama himself. While prosecutions of former presidents are rare and controversial, the move escalates the stakes dramatically—and could trigger constitutional crises depending on how the DOJ responds.
🔹 3. Fueling the Partisan Divide
Critics argue Gabbard’s move is politically motivated and reckless, accusing her of damaging U.S. intelligence alliances and destabilizing public trust. Her defenders see her as a truth-teller exposing deep state corruption. Either way, her actions are deepening an already entrenched partisan divide—pitting populist, anti-establishment forces against institutional defenders of the intelligence community.
🔹 4. Testing the Limits of Declassification and DNI Power
As DNI, Gabbard exercised her authority to declassify national intelligence—typically used sparingly—to make a sweeping political statement. Future administrations may feel emboldened to use this power more aggressively, setting a precedent that turns intelligence disclosures into political weapons.
🔹 5. Altering the 2026 and 2028 Election Landscapes
Gabbard’s move will likely become a defining issue in the run-up to the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election. Candidates may be forced to take a stand on whether they support prosecutions, trust intelligence agencies, or believe the 2016 Russia narrative was fabricated. Her announcement could shift voter sentiment among both independents and former Democrats disillusioned with party leadership.
Overall Takeaway: A Nation at a Crossroads
Tulsi Gabbard’s bold accusations and sweeping declassification of intelligence documents have reignited one of the most divisive chapters in modern American history. Whether seen as a courageous act of transparency or a politically charged assault on former officials, her actions demand a national reckoning—not only about what happened in 2016, but about the integrity of our institutions, the boundaries of executive power, and the truth behind narratives that shaped public opinion for years.
As the Department of Justice weighs its next steps and political leaders take sides, one thing is clear: Gabbard has forced the country to confront uncomfortable questions. Were the intelligence agencies used as tools of political warfare? Were American voters manipulated through coordinated disinformation—not by a foreign enemy, but by their own government?
The answers could either vindicate long-standing suspicions or expose dangerous overreach. Either way, the implications will echo far beyond the headlines, shaping not just the historical record—but the future of democratic accountability in America.
