DOJ Launches Grand Jury Probe into Alleged Russiagate Conspiracy Following Criminal Referral

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Attorney General Pam Bondi has authorized the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch a grand jury investigation into allegations of intelligence misconduct tied to the 2016 presidential election and the so-called “Russiagate” probe. The move signals a potential legal turning point in what has remained a politically charged and divisive chapter in recent American history.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Bondi has directed DOJ prosecutors to present evidence to a federal grand jury to explore whether any crimes were committed in connection with the intelligence assessments linking Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign to Russian interference. The specifics of potential charges, or the identities of those under scrutiny, remain undisclosed.

The grand jury directive comes in the wake of a criminal referral submitted in mid-July by Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. The DOJ has acknowledged receipt of the referral, though it has not issued any formal public comment on the development.

Gabbard’s referral follows her office’s release of more than 100 pages of declassified intelligence files dated from the Obama administration. The materials, containing internal communications, Presidential Daily Brief excerpts, and minutes from a high-level national security meeting, have reignited scrutiny over the handling of intelligence in the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2016 election.

In a public memorandum released alongside the declassified documents, Gabbard alleged that the intelligence community engaged in selective suppression and manipulation of raw intelligence to support a pre-determined narrative of Russian election interference. She has called the actions reflected in the documents a “treasonous conspiracy” and a “years-long coup” against former President Trump, placing particular blame on senior Obama-era officials.

The allegations mark a stark challenge to the findings of earlier investigations, including a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report that affirmed Russia’s intent to influence the 2016 election. Democrats have pushed back against Gabbard’s assertions, accusing her of distorting both intelligence findings and standard procedures to serve political ends.

Nevertheless, the DOJ’s decision to empanel a grand jury indicates that the accusations are being taken seriously at the highest levels of federal law enforcement. The development could lead to subpoenas, testimony from key intelligence officials, and, potentially, indictments, though none have been issued as of yet.

This investigation revives lingering questions about the credibility and conduct of the intelligence community during a critical electoral period and may have broader implications for public trust in federal institutions moving forward. The unfolding legal process is expected to draw close attention from both sides of the political aisle as the 2026 midterm elections approach.