The justice department has convened a federal grand jury to investigate officials from former US President Barack Obama’s administration, who are accused of pushing a false scandal about President Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Russia during the 2016 election.The investigation could lead to criminal charges against several prominent figures from the Obama era, including former director of national intelligence James Clapper, former CIA director John Brennan, and former FBI director James Comey, according to The New York Post.The inquiry focuses on claims that these officials conspired to create and promote the Trump-Russia narrative in the early days of the FBI’s “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation.The Crossfire Hurricane probe began in July 2016, when the FBI launched an investigation into alleged connections between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives. That inquiry later led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, whose 2019 report acknowledged “links” between Trump associates and Russian individuals but found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy.However, subsequent scrutiny raised concerns about the FBI’s conduct, particularly the improper use of FISA warrants against Trump adviser Carter Page. In October 2020, then-attorney general Bill Barr appointed John Durham as special counsel to examine the origins of the probe.Recent reports have highlighted a newly uncovered annex containing intelligence that “predicted the FBI’s actions with alarming specificity,” adding weight to Republican claims that the bureau may have sought to influence the 2016 election in favor of Hillary Clinton.Trump and current director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have both called for a federal investigation into the origins of the Russia probe. Trump has accused the former officials of carrying out a “treasonous and seditious conspiracy” aimed at undermining his first-term agenda.He also acknowledged that Obama is likely immune from prosecution following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that shields presidents from criminal charges related to official acts.
