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Legacy Media Scrambles to Defend Obama as Gabbard Releases Declassified Files

Published

9 months ago

July 23, 2025

VORNews

Legacy Media Moves to Defend Obama as Gabbard Releases Declassified Files

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, declassified more than 100 pages of U.S. intelligence documents on July 18, 2025, sparking intense debate across American politics.

These documents, according to Gabbard, show that former President Barack Obama and his key aides pushed a narrative of Russian interference in the 2016 election while ignoring their own intelligence agencies’ findings.

Gabbard described the actions outlined in the files as a “treasonous conspiracy” designed to discredit Donald Trump’s victory and disrupt his presidency. As the story gained traction, major media outlets appeared to minimize the impact or question the motives behind the DNI release, prompting discussion about media bias and the responsibility to report important news.

Inside the Declassified Files: Tracing the Events

A memo from Gabbard’s office outlines how members of the Obama administration worked together to promote the idea of Russian collusion, even though intelligence reports at the time suggested otherwise.

Documents show that, leading up to the 2016 election, agencies like the CIA and FBI believed Russia “probably [was] not trying…to influence the election by using cyber means.”

A President’s Daily Brief prepared in December 2016 by several agencies repeated that “Russian and criminal actors did not impact recent U.S. election results by conducting malicious cyber activities against election infrastructure.”

After Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, however, the focus changed. On December 9, 2016, top officials met in the White House Situation Room. Attendees included Obama, DNI James Clapper, CIA Director John Brennan, Susan Rice, John Kerry, Loretta Lynch, Andrew McCabe, and others.

According to the meeting record, they agreed to recommend sanctions on certain Russian intelligence personnel for their role in cyber activity related to the U.S. election, even though previous reports found no proof of vote tampering or serious interference.

Shortly after, an assistant to Clapper instructed senior intelligence officials by email to put together a new assessment “per the President’s request,” describing Russian methods and actions in the election.

This led to the January 6, 2017, Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), which, Gabbard claims, ignored earlier conclusions and drew from the disputed Steele dossier. The dossier contained unverified claims funded by the Clinton campaign, and some intelligence officials dismissed its contents as an “internet rumour.”

Still, it made its way into the ICA’s annex at the insistence of FBI Director James Comey, despite opposition from CIA analysts.

Gabbard accuses Obama’s team of altering intelligence for political reasons, stating that this set the stage for the lengthy Trump-Russia investigation that dominated Trump’s first term and affected U.S.-Russia relations.

She has sent the files to the Justice Department to investigate possible criminal wrongdoing, a step supported by current CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who has ordered separate investigations into Brennan and Comey for their involvement.

Media Coverage: Downplaying and Questioning

Allegations described by Gabbard as a “years-long coup” would usually attract major media attention. Instead, mainstream outlets have often treated the story as a partisan attack. Network news review shows a trend of coverage that either casts doubt on Gabbard or largely ignores the evidence in the documents.

ABC News and NBC News did not mention the declassification on air up to July 20, as found by Grabien Media transcript searches. CBS News covered it briefly on “Face the Nation,” where anchor Margaret Brennan gave Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, a chance to dismiss Gabbard’s claims as “baseless.”

CNN mentioned the release twice, both times featuring Democratic lawmakers pushing back against the story but not addressing the actual content of the documents.

The New York Times called Gabbard’s report “politically motivated” and “error-ridden” in a July 19 article, mainly quoting Democrats like Himes who argue the release conflicts with the accepted story about Russian interference.

The Times leaned on a 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee report, which found Russia meddled with social media and hacking campaigns but turned up no evidence of vote tampering. Gabbard’s files do not challenge this point directly, instead arguing that the collusion narrative was blown out of proportion.

NPR and The Washington Post framed Gabbard’s move as part of Trump’s wider goal to change the history of his election win. NPR’s July 22 report noted that the 2017 ICA focused on influence operations, not actual vote changes, and accused Gabbard of misrepresenting the intelligence community’s findings.

The Washington Post, which had received many intelligence leaks in 2016 and 2017, cited unnamed sources who said Gabbard’s release aimed to distract from Trump’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Multiple outlets also questioned Gabbard’s background in intelligence and her past remarks on Russia, suggesting her comments align with Moscow’s viewpoint.

The Independent and Rolling Stone called her appointment as DNI “controversial” and speculated on her loyalty, with Rolling Stone labelling her a “former Democrat turned MAGA” working to back Trump.

Instead of focusing on the content of the documents, many stories focused on Gabbard’s political history or Trump’s public claims about the Russia investigation.

Obama’s Response and the Media’s Echo

On July 22, Obama’s team released a statement dismissing Gabbard’s allegations as “bizarre” and “an obvious attempt at distraction.” He repeated that the 2017 ICA’s conclusions are still widely accepted and argued that the declassified files do not challenge the idea that Russia tried to shape U.S. public opinion.

Media outlets such as CNN, The Guardian, and The Hill quickly picked up Obama’s rebuttal, giving it top billing and pushing Gabbard’s evidence into the background.

This pattern of supporting Obama brings back memories of 2016, when news outlets often published leaks about Russian interference from anonymous intelligence officials. Gabbard’s files suggest those leaks, which began after the December 9 White House meeting, were part of a plan to reinforce the collusion claims.

Even now, many outlets continue promoting the same narrative, treating Gabbard’s release as a politically charged move rather than a matter for careful review.

What It Means for Trust and Accountability

The decision by major news media to avoid a close look at Gabbard’s allegations highlights big questions about the media’s watchdog role. If the declassified files are accurate, they point to top Obama officials using intelligence to affect an election outcome.

Stories with this level of seriousness deserve thorough reporting, but so far, large outlets have focused on dismissing or downplaying the issue. This approach shields Obama and his administration while deepening public concerns about bias in both media and intelligence circles.

Social media is now filled with posts from users like @bennyjohnson and @saras76, who accuse mainstream media of ignoring a “huge scandal” to shield Obama.

One viral post stated, “Tulsi Gabbard just hit Barack Obama with a knockout punch,” highlighting the public’s view that a “coordinated hit job” targeted Trump. While these posts don’t prove anything on their own, they do reflect a wider mood that the media is avoiding tough questions about those in power.

What Happens Next

The Justice Department now has the declassified files, and Gabbard insists that everyone involved must be investigated. She’s promising to see the process through, saying, “No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Whether these allegations turn out to be the “treasonous conspiracy” Gabbard describes or a serious mistake by the outgoing administration, the public has a right to see a clear review of the evidence.

For now, the coverage by major news organizations suggests a reluctance to question the established story. By echoing Obama’s defence and playing down Gabbard’s statements, media outlets may fuel the sense that the press cares more about protecting certain figures than providing full transparency. As this issue unfolds, the press faces a choice—whether to dig into the facts or stick to defending the old narrative.

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Trump Warns China as Vance Leads Peace Talks with Iran

Published

11 hours ago

April 12, 2026

VORNews

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Beijing, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy as Vice President JD Vance heads a high-level delegation to Pakistan for unprecedented talks with Iranian officials.

In a bold escalation of rhetoric, President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to the People’s Republic of China regarding its military involvement in the Middle East. Speaking from the Oval Office, the President made it clear that any attempt by Beijing to supply weaponry to Iran would be met with severe consequences.

“China is going to have big problems—very big problems—if they decide to ship weapons to Iran,” Trump stated. “We are looking for peace, but we are also looking at the facts. You cannot play both sides of the fence when the stability of the world is at stake.”

The warning comes as intelligence reports suggest increased logistics cooperation between Beijing and Tehran. For the Trump administration, the message is twofold: a demand for Chinese neutrality and a demonstration of American leverage over global trade routes and sanctions.

Potential Consequences for China

The administration has hinted at several “levers” it could pull should Beijing ignore this warning:

Secondary Sanctions: Targeting Chinese banks and firms that facilitate arms transfers.
Trade Restrictions: Implementing further tariffs or export controls on sensitive technology.
Diplomatic Isolation: Working with allies to limit Chinese influence in Middle Eastern security frameworks.

The Islamabad Summit: A High-Stakes Peace Mission

While the President maintains a hardline stance toward external interference, a different scene is unfolding in Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance is currently leading a specialized U.S. delegation to Islamabad for a Saturday meeting with high-ranking Iranian officials.

This mission represents one of the most significant diplomatic gambles of the Trump presidency. The goal is clear: to establish a “path to peace” and de-escalate years of mounting tension that have brought the region to the brink of open conflict.

The Delegation Members

The composition of the U.S. team suggests a blend of traditional diplomacy and transactional deal-making:

Vice President JD Vance: Representing the administration’s “America First” foreign policy, focused on ending “endless wars” while maintaining U.S. strength.
Steve Witkoff: A trusted confidant of the President and special envoy known for his pragmatic approach to complex negotiations.
Jared Kushner: The architect of the Abraham Accords, returning to the diplomatic fold to leverage his existing relationships in the region.

Why Pakistan?

The choice of Pakistan as a venue is no accident. Islamabad has long maintained a delicate balancing act between its relationship with the United States and its neighbor, Iran. By choosing this neutral ground, both Washington and Tehran are signaling a willingness to step outside the usual frameworks of Western-led summits.

Sources close to the delegation suggest that Pakistan’s leadership has been instrumental in facilitating the logistics for this meeting, acting as a “quiet bridge” between the two adversaries.

The Iranian Perspective

Tehran’s decision to meet with the Vance-led delegation follows months of economic pressure and internal debate. While the Iranian leadership remains publicly cautious, the presence of figures like Kushner—who has a track record of facilitating regional agreements—indicates that the talks may move beyond rhetoric into the realm of tangible concessions.

Key discussion points are expected to include:

Sanctions Relief: Iran is seeking a pathway to re-enter global energy markets.
Regional Security: A cessation of hostilities involving proxy groups.
Nuclear Limitations: Reviving a framework for monitoring Iranian nuclear capabilities that satisfies U.S. security requirements.

Global Reactions and AI Search Trends

The news has sent ripples through global markets and digital spaces. International observers are questioning whether this “Carrot and Stick” approach—threatening China while talking to Iran—can produce a lasting equilibrium.

Market Impact:

Oil Prices: Crude futures showed volatility following the announcement, as traders weighed the possibility of a “peace dividend” against the threat of new sanctions on China.
Defense Stocks: Renewed interest in maritime security and surveillance technology as the U.S. monitors Chinese shipping lanes.

Challenges to the Peace Path

Despite the optimistic headlines, significant hurdles remain. Hardliners in both Washington and Tehran are skeptical of a “quick fix.” Furthermore, China’s reaction to Trump’s warning could redefine the success of the Pakistan summit. If Beijing feels backed into a corner, it may increase its support for Iran simply to counter American influence.

Conclusion: A New Era of Diplomacy?

The events of this Saturday could define the foreign policy legacy of the current administration. By combining aggressive economic threats against spoilers like China with direct, high-level engagement with adversaries like Iran, President Trump is attempting to rewrite the diplomatic playbook.

Whether Vice President Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner can return from Islamabad with a framework for peace remains to be seen. However, the world is now on notice: the United States is willing to talk, but it is equally prepared to act.

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Eric Swalwell Faces Explosive Rape Accusation From Former Staffer

Published

12 hours ago

April 12, 2026

VORNews

SACRAMENTO, CA — U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democrat and a front-runner in the 2026 California gubernatorial race, is facing a political and legal firestorm following a series of explosive sexual misconduct allegations.

On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported that a former congressional staffer has accused Swalwell of raping her, while three other women have come forward with claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, leading to a mass exodus of campaign staff and a chorus of calls for Swalwell’s resignation from high-ranking officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The most serious charge comes from an unnamed woman who previously worked in Swalwell’s district office. In interviews, the woman detailed two non-consensual encounters:

2019 Incident: The staffer claims she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell in California while she was an employee in his office. She stated she was “heavily intoxicated” and unable to provide consent.
2024 Incident: A second alleged assault occurred in a New York hotel room after she had left his staff. The woman told CNN she was “pushing him off” and saying no, but he did not stop.
Physical Evidence: The accuser described being left “bruised and bleeding” following the 2024 encounter. Reports indicate that friends and family members have corroborated that she spoke to them about the trauma shortly after it occurred.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Saturday that it has opened an investigation into the New York allegations, urging any potential witnesses to contact their Special Victims Division.

A Pattern of Misconduct: Three Other Accusers

Beyond the former staffer’s harrowing account, three additional women have come forward to detail a pattern of alleged sexual harassment by the Congressman. These claims include:

Unsolicited Explicit Material: Two women allege receiving unwanted sexual messages and explicit images from Swalwell.
Unwelcome Advances: Accusers described a history of “unwelcome advances” and “inappropriate touching” that occurred over several years.
Retaliation Claims: Some women reported receiving “cease-and-desist” letters from Swalwell’s legal team shortly before the stories went public, which critics describe as an attempt to silence victims.

Rep. Swalwell has vehemently denied the allegations of sexual assault, calling them “politically motivated lies” timed to sabotage his bid for Governor. In a video statement released Friday night, a defiant Swalwell addressed the public.

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They did not happen,” Swalwell said. While he admitted to “mistakes in judgment” regarding his marriage—issuing a public apology to his wife, Brittany Ann Watts—he maintained that no criminal or non-consensual acts ever took place. His legal team argues that the former staffer maintained a “voluntary and cooperative relationship” with him for years, even seeking job references after the alleged incidents.

Political Fallout and Resignations

The impact on Swalwell’s campaign has been immediate and devastating. His bid to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom appears to be in a state of collapse as key supporters withdraw their endorsements.

Major Developments in the Scandal:

Staff Resignations: Senior campaign advisers, including Courtni Pugh, and several congressional staffers have resigned, stating they are “horrified” by the reports.
Loss of Endorsements: High-profile Democrats, including California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, have called for him to drop out of the race.
Democratic Leadership Response: Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and urged a swift, transparent investigation.
Suspended Funding: “Californians for a Fighter,” a major super PAC supporting Swalwell, has suspended its operations.

As the Manhattan DA begins its probe, the House Ethics Committee is also expected to face pressure to open a formal inquiry. While Swalwell has vowed to “fight with everything I have,” the severity of the “bruised and bleeding” testimony, combined with the testimony of three other women, has created a hurdle that many political analysts believe is insurmountable.

The June non-partisan primary is just weeks away. For now, the Congressman remains in his seat, though his future in both the Capitol and the Governor’s mansion hangs by a thread.

Trending News:

Eric Swalwell’s Governor Campaign in Crisis After Multiple Assault Allegations Surface

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Moon Mission Success: Artemis II Crew Splashes Down Safely in the Pacific

Published

13 hours ago

April 12, 2026

VORNews

Moon Mission Success: Artemis II Crew Splashes Down Safely in the Pacific

SAN DIEGO – The roar of the engines has been replaced by the gentle lapping of Pacific waves. Today, humanity took its biggest leap toward the lunar surface in over fifty years as the Artemis II mission concluded with a perfect splashdown off the coast of California.

The Orion spacecraft, scorched from its fiery re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere, bobbed in the water as Navy recovery teams moved in. Onboard were four pioneers who now hold a place in the history books, having completed a ten-day journey that took them further into deep space than any human has ever traveled.

The recovery operation was a precision dance between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The USS San Diego stood by as helicopters and inflatable boats surrounded the capsule.

The crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—emerged from the hatch to the cheers of recovery teams. Despite the physical toll of returning from microgravity, the astronauts appeared in high spirits, waving to the cameras that captured the moment for millions watching around the globe.

Key Milestones of the Artemis II Mission

This wasn’t just a flight; it was a stress test for the future of human exploration. During their 10.3-day mission, the crew achieved several historic firsts:

Deep Space Record: The crew traveled thousands of miles beyond the far side of the moon, setting a record for the furthest distance from Earth reached by a crewed spacecraft.
Life Support Validation: This was the first time the Orion’s life support systems were tested with humans on board in the harsh environment of deep space.
Diverse Representation: The mission included the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American (Canadian) to fly to the vicinity of the moon.

The Fiery Path Home

The return to Earth is often the most dangerous part of any lunar mission. Orion hit the top of the atmosphere traveling at nearly 25,000 miles per hour.

As the spacecraft pushed against the air, the heat shield endured temperatures of about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit—half as hot as the surface of the sun. For several minutes, the friction of re-entry caused a total communications blackout, a tense period of silence that ended only when the first drogue parachutes blossomed against the blue California sky.

“Everything worked exactly as the simulations predicted,” said a NASA flight director during a press briefing shortly after the landing. “The heat shield performed flawlessly, and the skip-entry maneuver allowed us to pinpoint the landing site with incredible accuracy.”

Why Artemis II Matters

While Artemis II did not land on the moon, it paved the way for those who will. By proving that the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion capsule can safely transport humans to lunar orbit and back, NASA has cleared the final major hurdle before Artemis III.

Artemis III, currently scheduled for late 2026 or 2027, aims to put boots back on the lunar South Pole. This mission will include the first woman and person of color to actually walk on the moon’s surface.

What Happens Next?

Now that the crew is back on solid ground, the work for NASA scientists is just beginning.

Medical Evaluations: The astronauts will undergo weeks of testing to see how deep-space radiation and weightlessness affect their bodies.
Data Analysis: Engineers will strip down the Orion capsule to study how the hardware held up.
Future Training: The lessons learned from this flight will be integrated into the training for the Artemis III crew.

A New Era of Discovery

The success of Artemis II signals a shift in how we view space. We are no longer just visiting; we are preparing to stay. With the planned Lunar Gateway station and future base camps on the surface, the moon is becoming a stepping stone for the eventual journey to Mars.

As the sun sets over the Pacific today, the world looks up at the moon with a little more familiarity. We’ve been back, we’ve seen the far side with our own eyes, and soon, we will be walking among the craters once again.