Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s recent criminal referral of former President Barack Obama to the FBI and DOJ has electrified Trump supporters, who see it as a bold move to hold the former administration accountable. On July 23, 2025, Gabbard, speaking at a White House briefing, accused Obama and his national security team of orchestrating a “treasonous conspiracy” by allegedly manufacturing intelligence to falsely claim Russia helped Trump win the 2016 election. She declassified a 2020 House Intelligence Committee report, asserting it provides “irrefutable evidence” of Obama’s role in politicizing the Russia probe.
Trump praised Gabbard, claiming Obama led a “crime of the century” to undermine his presidency. Supporters, energized by a July Rasmussen poll showing 46% approval for Trump’s leadership, view Gabbard’s actions as fulfilling campaign promises to confront the “deep state.” The move follows her release of documents alleging Obama officials, including James Comey and John Brennan, misled the public about Russian interference.
Democrats, including Senator Mark Warner, dismiss the allegations as a distraction from Trump’s refusal to release Jeffrey Epstein files, citing a 2020 Senate report affirming Russia’s pro-Trump interference. Obama’s spokesperson called the claims “ridiculous,” arguing they don’t undercut established findings. FactCheck.org labeled Gabbard’s evidence “misleading,” noting it conflates vote manipulation with influence campaigns.
Gabbard’s aggressive stance, despite her earlier tensions with Trump over Iran policy, has restored her standing with his base. Critics warn her actions risk politicizing intelligence, but for supporters, it’s a long-overdue reckoning. As the DOJ forms a “strike force” to investigate, the controversy deepens America’s political divide, with Gabbard’s moves resonating as a rallying cry for Trump’s agenda.
