U.S. launches grand jury probe into ‘Russiagate’ accusations

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a grand jury investigation into claims that former officials fabricated links between President Donald Trump and Russia.

Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the move after receiving a criminal referral from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, according to a Fox News report citing a letter from Bondi.

An unnamed prosecutor has been assigned to present evidence to the grand jury, which could decide whether to issue indictments.

Gabbard accuses former President Barack Obama and his national security team of directing what she called a “false” intelligence assessment that claimed Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump.

“There is irrefutable evidence,” Gabbard said at The White House on 23 July. She alleged the Obama administration knowingly misled the public to push a contrived narrative.

Trump, who has repeatedly described the affair as a “coup,” again urged prosecutors to pursue his predecessor.

Obama’s office dismissed the allegations as “bizarre” and “outrageous.”

A 2017 declassified U.S. intelligence report concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign aimed at harming Hillary Clinton and helping Trump. Gabbard does not dispute Russian involvement but claims the intelligence was manipulated for political purposes.

The assessment determined the actual impact was likely limited and showed no evidence that Moscow's efforts actually changed voting outcomes. Russia has denied it attempted to interfere in U.S. elections.

Copied