House Speaker Mike Johnson says former President Barack Obama could be subpoenaed to testify before Congress over newly declassified documents that accuse him and his top officials of orchestrating a “treasonous conspiracy” tied to the 2016 election.
The remarks follow Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s release last week of more than 100 pages of intelligence records. The documents claim officials in the Obama administration “manipulated and withheld” critical information from the public about Russian interference in the 2016 race. Gabbard has formally referred the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential criminal prosecution.
Why This Matters
The possibility of compelling Obama to testify reflects a dramatic escalation in the political fallout surrounding the intelligence community’s handling of the 2016 election. Gabbard’s disclosures have energized Republicans, with some calling for high-level accountability—including potential legal consequences for a former president.
Speaker Johnson: “We Will Follow the Truth”
In an interview with CBS News, Johnson confirmed he would support subpoenas for Obama and other former officials.
“Of course. I think we have a responsibility to follow the truth where it leads,” Johnson said. “If it’s uncomfortable for him [Obama], he shouldn’t have been involved in overseeing this—which is what appears to us has happened.”
Johnson said the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees are actively reviewing the records and will decide whether to issue subpoenas and take sworn depositions.
“There’s a lot of allegations on the table. Our job is to follow each of those trails and find out the truth,” he added.
Gabbard Demands Accountability
DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who served as a Democratic congresswoman before joining the Trump administration, has taken a leading role in the unfolding controversy.
“No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Gabbard said. “The American people—and President Trump—deserve justice.”
Among those named in the documents are former DNI James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former FBI Director James Comey.
Critics Say Claims Are Politically Motivated
Legal experts and critics have pushed back on the GOP-led effort, questioning the legal validity of prosecuting Obama or his former intelligence chiefs.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Newsweek:
“Factually, it’s wholly unsupported. The Durham investigation didn’t result in any major convictions, and the statute of limitations has likely expired. If Trump was serious about this, his own DOJ would’ve acted during his first term.”
Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), the Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, dismissed Gabbard’s accusations as misleading:
“Our bipartisan Senate investigation confirmed that Russia engaged in an aggressive campaign to benefit Trump in 2016. That’s a fact. Gabbard’s claims ignore the overwhelming evidence we reviewed.”
Trump Faces Epstein Fallout Amid New Push
The renewed focus on Obama and the 2016 election comes as Trump faces backlash from parts of his own base over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Despite campaign promises, Trump has not released the Epstein client list. The DOJ and FBI recently declared no such list exists and said no further charges will be brought.
Trump has labeled the controversy a “hoax,” urging supporters to move on, but prominent allies like Steve Bannon have warned of serious political fallout.
“If this cover-up continues, 10% of the MAGA base will walk away,” Bannon said. “Lose them now, and we lose 40 seats in 2026 and the White House in 2028.”
What Comes Next
The DOJ has acknowledged receiving Gabbard’s referral but has not confirmed whether it is pursuing a criminal investigation. Congressional Republicans say they plan to continue probing the matter, and subpoenas remain on the table.
House Speaker Johnson summed up the stakes during his CBS appearance:
“The greatest threat isn’t just what they did to Trump—it’s the damage they’ve done to trust in our institutions, especially the DOJ and FBI. That must be confronted.”
The office of Barack and Michelle Obama has not responded to requests for comment.
