WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the intelligence community, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard released a declassified memo on Friday that appears to dismantle the long-standing "Russiagate" narrative. The document provides the clearest evidence to date that high-ranking officials in the Obama administration were informed that Russia played no significant role in Donald Trump’s 2016 victory, even as they launched the "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation.

The "Smoking Gun" Memo

The 2016 memo, addressed directly to then-President Barack Obama, stated explicitly: “Russian and criminal actors did not impact recent US election results by conducting malicious cyber activities against election infrastructure.” While the intelligence community noted failed targeting attempts, the memo confirmed that voting systems remained untouched and election outcomes were never altered.

DNI Gabbard’s disclosure serves as a major vindication for President Trump, who has consistently characterized the Russia collusion investigation as a partisan hoax. Senior officials now suggest that the Obama administration and the Clinton campaign "schemed the operation," using the CIA and FBI to run an internal influence campaign more consequential than any foreign interference.

Criminal Referrals and Retribution

The pressure is now mounting on the architects of the probe. CIA Director John Ratcliffe has indicated that career intelligence officials are preparing evidence for a potential criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey.

A 200-page congressional audit currently under review explores whether Brennan committed perjury during his testimony to Congress regarding the use of the discredited Steele dossier. Investigators believe that while the statute of limitations for perjury may have lapsed, charges for "conspiracy to commit perjury" remain a viable legal avenue.

Comey Under Scrutiny

James Comey also remains under intense pressure. Following a series of cryptic social media posts that some officials viewed as suggestive of violence, reports indicate he was visited by the Secret Service earlier this year. As the DOJ and intelligence agencies weigh the declassification of further "Crossfire Hurricane" notes and transcripts from the Durham investigation, the narrative of the 2016 election is being fundamentally rewritten in the halls of power.

Senate Democrats warily eye new allegations about Platner

Three women who were romantically involved with Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner described to The New York Times his “unsettling and at times emotionally wrenching” behavior.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a campaign event near the entrance to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on May 19, 2026, in Kittery, Maine.

Senate Democrats are still digesting a report with new allegations surrounding a candidate running for Senate in Maine whom Democrats hope will help them recapture the majority come November.

But at least one Democratic senator, who conceded she had yet to read The New York Times’ report on Graham Platner, is sick of talking about alleged bad behavior by men.

“I look forward to the day where I am not answering every single week a question about bad behavior by another dude,” Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., told MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace Thursday night.

Platner, 41, is facing a fresh round of allegations after several of his former girlfriends accused him of “toxic,” “unsettling” and “violent” behavior days before Maine’s June 9 primary. The new allegations were first reported Thursday by the Times. The article was based on interviews with more than two dozen people, including six women who dated Platner.

“First of all, I think about the women who are coming forward,” Slotkin told MS NOW, noting that her staff informed her of the Times’ reporting. “Second of all, I think if there are allegations of violence, I got a real problem with that, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or Republican. If there’s violence, that’s not okay.”

Platner denied “anything alleging physicality” in an interview with MS NOW’s Chris Hayes on Thursday night.

He also pushed back on concerns voiced by Slotkin, telling Hayes, “My response is that I agree, but those allegations are false.”

In the Times’ report, some women offered positive accounts, describing Platner as caring and supportive. But three former partners recounted turbulent relationships with Platner, alleging he was demeaning toward women, drank heavily and was frequently unfaithful. In one instance, one woman recalled he also made physical threats.

One of the accusers, Lyndsey Fifield, recalled two specific incidents where she alleged Platner was physical with her. Fifield said Platner pulled her by her wrist out of a taxicab in once incident and in another, she alleged Platner twisted her arm and trapped her in a bedroom.

Platner’s campaign told the Times he “strongly disputes” allegations that he physically intimidated or threatened anyone.

The allegations have tested Democratic support for a candidate viewed as the party’s strongest challenger to incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said the new allegations reinforced his concerns.

“I did not see that coming … he’s like in Texas, for every ranch you see, there’s another 50 you won’t,” Fetterman told NOTUS. “He lied about his Nazi tattoo and assured people there wouldn’t be more. He just came here a day ago and said nothing more, nothing more, and then so this, so nothing’s changed for me.”

Speaking to NOTUS, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., called the report “troubling,” adding it’s “up to the voters of Maine to decide.”

Platner met privately with Senate Democrats on Tuesday as questions swirled about his personal conduct. Despite the controversies, several progressive leaders, including Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have continued to support Platner’s candidacy.