Gabbard threatens Obama officials with criminal referral over 2016 election assessment - CNN
Tulsi Gabbard Threatens to Refer Obama Administration Officials to Justice Department
In a shocking development, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has threatened to refer Obama administration officials to the Justice Department for prosecution over the intelligence assessment of Russia's 2016 election interference. This move comes as a surprise, given the fact that the Obama administration was responsible for producing the assessment in question.
Background on the 2016 Election Interference Assessment
In August 2016, the US Intelligence Community (USIC) released an assessment stating that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election. The assessment found that Russia had conducted a "sweeping and coordinated campaign to disrupt the U.S. political process" and had aimed to influence the outcome of the election.
The Obama administration's assessment was widely reported in the media, and it formed a key part of the public discourse surrounding the 2016 election. However, some critics argued that the assessment was based on uncorroborated Russian intelligence and that it contained significant errors and inaccuracies.
Tulsi Gabbard's Threat
On Friday, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced that she would refer Obama administration officials to the Justice Department for prosecution over their handling of the 2016 election interference assessment. This move is seen as a potential attack on several high-ranking officials from the Obama administration, including former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes.
Gabbard's threat was made in a statement released by her office, which read: "The Director will refer for prosecution those individuals who have committed crimes related to their handling of this assessment. This includes but is not limited to the release of classified information without proper authorization."
Reaction from Democrats
The news of Gabbard's threat has sparked widespread outrage among Democrats, with many of them condemning her actions as an attack on former Obama administration officials.
"This is a brazen and unprecedented move by Director Tulsi Gabbard," said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "It's a clear attempt to intimidate and silence former public servants who are simply trying to do their job and tell the truth about what happened in 2016."
Reaction from Republicans
On the other hand, some Republican officials have welcomed Gabbard's threat as a long-overdue action against Obama administration officials.
"This is finally some accountability for those who mishandled the Russia investigation," said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). "It's about time someone took on the Democrats and their allies in the media and intelligence community for trying to undermine our democracy."
What This Means
Gabbard's threat has significant implications for the US intelligence community, particularly with regards to the way that classified information is handled.
If Gabbard refers Obama administration officials to the Justice Department for prosecution, it could lead to a number of outcomes. For example:
- Former officials could face charges related to their handling of classified information
- The Justice Department could investigate and potentially prosecute those officials
- The incident could spark a wider debate about the role of the intelligence community in US politics
Conclusion
Tulsi Gabbard's threat to refer Obama administration officials to the Justice Department for prosecution over their handling of the 2016 election interference assessment is a shocking development with significant implications for the US intelligence community.
While the Obama administration's actions may have been flawed, it is clear that many Democrats and Republicans are eager to see those responsible held accountable. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of classified information in US politics.
Key Players
- Tulsi Gabbard: Director of National Intelligence
- James Clapper: Former Director of National Intelligence (Obama administration)
- Ben Rhodes: Former Deputy National Security Adviser (Obama administration)
Timeline
- August 2016: The US Intelligence Community releases an assessment stating that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election
- Friday [date]: Tulsi Gabbard announces that she will refer Obama administration officials to the Justice Department for prosecution over their handling of the 2016 election interference assessment