Trump’s new task force targets Obama over Russia probe: A distraction from Epstein backlash?

Trump’s new task force targets Obama over Russia probe: A distraction from Epstein backlash?

The US Justice Department on Wednesday revealed the formation of a new task force to investigate President Donald Trump’s claim that former President Barack Obama and his aides fabricated the 2016 Russia interference probe to damage Trump’s campaign. Though vague in detail, the move reflects Trump’s strategy of turning the spotlight toward his predecessor as he attempts to deflect attention from criticism over the Epstein files, the New York Times reported.

Gabbard fuels the narrative with revived intelligence criticism

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard added fuel to the fire by releasing a declassified document criticizing the Obama-era intelligence review. Gabbard alleged that Mr. Obama had issued unusual directives and pressured agencies to speed up an assessment that ultimately concluded Russia preferred Trump in the 2016 election. She said she had referred related materials to the FBI and called the entire episode a “treasonous conspiracy.”

No new evidence of wrongdoing, but political flames fanned

Despite Gabbard’s explosive rhetoric, the documents she released—originating from a Republican-led House Intelligence Committee report in 2017—show no proof of criminal behaviour. The report criticized the process and argued the conclusion that Putin favoured Trump was based on a single, biased source. Intelligence officials have stood by the assessment, and a bipartisan Senate investigation previously validated the agencies’ conclusions.

Declassification raises security concerns

Gabbard’s move to release the unredacted document sparked criticism from Democrats. Senator Mark Warner said the release could jeopardize intelligence sources and methods. Officials confirmed a more cautious version had been prepared but not released. Gabbard insisted Trump had approved full declassification. The document’s release appears to be another chapter in Trump’s effort to discredit Obama-era institutions while facing heat over his own scandals.

House report revives Steele dossier debate

The newly released report also revisits the controversial Steele dossier, claiming its inclusion—albeit in an annex—tainted the 2016 assessment. While the dossier was not used to shape conclusions, the House report argues that its presence misrepresented its value. Former CIA director John Brennan has said the dossier was only included under pressure from the FBI, not due to its substance.

Politicization of intelligence resurfaces under Trump’s allies

Though Gabbard frames her campaign as a push against politicized intelligence, critics say the task force and document dump are politically motivated manoeuvres to protect Trump. Former intelligence officials acknowledge past missteps but reject the narrative of deliberate manipulation. As the administration struggles to contain the Epstein controversy, this renewed focus on Obama and the Russia probe reads more like deflection than justice.