Fact-Check: Tulsi Gabbard’s ‘Coup’ Statement Lacks Evidence

Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman, asserts she has discovered “overwhelming evidence” of a conspiracy orchestrated by former President Obama and his administration to undermine President Trump. However, her claims are built on misleading interpretations. Gabbard cites a supposed contradiction between a January 2017 intelligence assessment concluding that Russia initiated an "influence campaign" to aid Trump, and previous evaluations stating that Russia did not successfully execute cyberattacks to alter election infrastructure. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner clarified that no one asserted Russia modified votes, but noted substantial interference was well-documented. Gabbard’s announcements, made recently on Fox News, call for criminal referrals to the DOJ and the FBI, alleging that Obama’s team fabricated intelligence to support an agenda against Trump. Obama’s response dismissed her allegations as a “weak attempt at distraction,” stating the assessments that established Russian interference have enduring validity and credibility. Gabbard's narrative remains contentious amidst ongoing debates regarding election integrity.