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Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard provided insight into Russia’s intentions during the 2016 presidential election, suggesting that Moscow had anticipated a Hillary Clinton victory and designed strategies to influence the outcome after the fact. In remarks to the media, Gabbard emphasized that the widely reported claims of Russian efforts to aid Donald Trump may have been mischaracterized or incomplete.
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Gabbard indicated that intelligence reviewed by her office suggested Russia expected Clinton to win the election, framing their release of sensitive information as a measure to undermine her administration rather than to benefit Trump directly. According to Gabbard, the timing of certain disclosures raised questions about whether the narrative presented by the intelligence community accurately reflected Russia’s motives.
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She referenced materials uncovered in previously classified reports, including House Intelligence Committee findings, which detailed information about Clinton’s health and conduct. Gabbard noted that these findings were not publicly disclosed prior to or during the election, raising concerns that critical context had been withheld from the American electorate.
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The former intelligence chief also connected these revelations to actions taken by the Obama administration, suggesting that covert measures had been used to challenge the legitimacy of the Trump campaign and later his presidency. These claims align with broader allegations of misconduct within federal agencies during the so-called “Russiagate” investigation.
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Following Gabbard’s disclosures, Attorney General Pam Bondi authorized a federal grand jury investigation to examine potential criminal conspiracies related to the 2016 election and subsequent intelligence operations. The inquiry, informed by Gabbard’s referrals, is reportedly focused on evaluating whether federal officials engaged in actions that improperly influenced the electoral process or targeted Trump’s candidacy.
Legal observers note that this development represents a significant step in reassessing the integrity of prior investigations into alleged Russian interference and alleged Trump campaign connections. Conservative commentators have framed the grand jury inquiry as a necessary effort to address political bias within federal institutions and restore public confidence in the impartiality of the U.S. justice systems.
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The investigation is ongoing, with federal authorities reviewing documents and testimony provided by intelligence officials. Gabbard’s disclosures, alongside the grand jury’s proceedings, continue to fuel discussion over the extent to which political considerations shaped investigative priorities during the 2016 election and the early years of the Trump administration.