Did the Obama administration orchestrate a coup against Trump, hiding behind intelligence officials? Tulsi Gabbard certainly believes so.
Allegations of a Deep State Coup
Tulsi Gabbard, former Congresswoman and presidential candidate, has accused the Obama administration of a “years-long coup” against Donald Trump during his first term. Gabbard claims intelligence officials intentionally hid their actions, undermining the foundations of American democracy. Her allegations echo sentiments long held by Trump and his supporters, who have consistently argued that investigations into Trump-Russia collusion were politically motivated attacks rather than genuine national security concerns.
The allegations stem from the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, launched in July 2016. The investigation, spurred by reports from Australian officials about potential Russian interference, led to two prominent special counsel investigations. Robert Mueller’s investigation found evidence of Russian interference but not enough to establish a criminal conspiracy involving Trump. Meanwhile, John Durham’s investigation into the origins of Crossfire Hurricane concluded that the FBI lacked sufficient verified intelligence to justify its probe into the Trump campaign.
Durham Report Sparks Controversy
The release of the Durham report in May 2023 has reignited debates over the legitimacy of the Trump-Russia investigations. While Durham did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy against Trump, his report criticized the FBI for its lack of verified intelligence when opening the investigation. This finding has fueled claims among conservatives that the investigation was part of a “deep state” conspiracy. However, critics argue that Durham’s findings contradict the conclusions of other investigations, including the DOJ Inspector General’s report and the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, both of which found the FBI had a legitimate basis to investigate Russian interference.
.@DNIGabbard on the Russia collusion hoax: "The effect of what Pres. Obama and his senior national security team did was subvert the will of the American people, undermining our democratic republic, and enacting what would be essentially a years-long coup against Pres. Trump." pic.twitter.com/29kviGOAdE
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 20, 2025
The Durham report’s mixed conclusions highlight the ongoing partisan divide. While Trump and his allies claim vindication, critics argue that the report failed to provide substantive evidence of wrongdoing. The report’s failure to secure major convictions further fuels skepticism about its findings and the motivations behind the investigation.
Erosion of Public Trust
The fallout from these investigations has had a profound impact on public trust in intelligence agencies. Conservatives, in particular, view the investigations as evidence of systemic bias within the FBI and DOJ. The perception of a “deep state” working against a duly elected president has eroded confidence in these institutions, raising questions about their role in politically sensitive investigations. The episode has set a concerning precedent for future investigations, with potential implications for how politically charged matters are handled in the future.
As debates over the legitimacy of the Trump-Russia investigations continue, the impact on public trust cannot be overstated. The controversy has left many Americans questioning the integrity of intelligence agencies, and the partisan divide shows no signs of narrowing. The need for reforms in how politically sensitive investigations are conducted has become increasingly apparent, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Implications for the Future
The implications of these investigations extend beyond the immediate political landscape. The erosion of trust in intelligence agencies has long-term consequences for national security and governance. As debates over surveillance authorities and investigative practices continue, the need for reforms is clear. Ensuring that politically sensitive investigations are conducted transparently and without bias is crucial for maintaining public confidence in these institutions.
It was a coup against President Trump, directed by Renegade Barry
watch👇🏻pic.twitter.com/xMs6TbCU5c— End1913 (@End1913) July 21, 2025
While the Durham report may have concluded its findings, the questions it raises about the integrity of intelligence agencies and the political motivations behind investigations will likely persist. As the nation grapples with these issues, the need for greater oversight and accountability in politically sensitive matters becomes increasingly urgent.