DOJ Forms Strike Force to Probe Tulsi Gabbard’s Intel Weaponization Claims

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday it is forming a strike force to investigate allegations by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about the “weaponization” of U.S. intelligence agencies. The move comes after Gabbard declassified documents she claims reveal a “treasonous conspiracy” by top Obama-era officials to undermine Donald Trump during the 2016 election — a charge Democrats have dismissed as politically motivated and unfounded.

President Trump has amplified Gabbard’s claims, accusing former President Barack Obama of treason without providing evidence. In response, an Obama spokesperson called Trump’s remarks “bizarre” and “a weak attempt at distraction.” The Justice Department emphasized in its statement that it takes such allegations “with the utmost seriousness” and will evaluate potential legal actions stemming from Gabbard’s disclosures.

Gabbard’s claims center on the 2017 U.S. intelligence assessment that concluded Russia used disinformation, hacking, and bot networks to harm Hillary Clinton’s campaign and aid Trump’s victory. While the report found Moscow sought to influence public opinion, it concluded the actual effect on vote outcomes was likely limited. Russia has consistently denied interfering in U.S. elections.

The strike force will review the evidence released by Gabbard and determine next steps, intensifying political tensions ahead of the 2026 election cycle as debates over intelligence accountability and partisan investigations deepen in Washington.