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Ex-DNI Chief Claims Obama Faked Russian Interference Intel

7/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Tulsi Gabbard, head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, asserts that the Obama administration "manufactured" intelligence on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Her declassified materials challenge the 2017 assessment that claimed Russia sought to sway public opinion rather than change vote outcomes, igniting debate over potential political motivations behind these revelations.

History

Historical Context

In January 2017, the U.S. intelligence community, led by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to undermine democracy, favoring Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton. This assessment followed extensive investigations, including a joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on October 7, 2016, confirming Russian hacking efforts.

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Story summary

Tulsi Gabbard, head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, asserts that the Obama administration "manufactured" intelligence on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Her declassified materials challenge the 2017 assessment that claimed Russia sought to sway public opinion rather than change vote outcomes, igniting debate over potential political motivations behind these revelations.

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