This week, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a once-classified House Intelligence Committee report shedding new light on the 2016 election and Russia’s awareness of the Democratic Party’s activities. The report indicates that Russia had accessed confidential DNC data regarding Hillary Clinton’s health, suggesting both physical and psychological ailments. These revelations, previously hidden, bring to light questions about Russian knowledge and its strategic silence during the 2016 election.
While discussions in 2016 often revolved around alleged connections between Donald Trump and Russia, newly revealed sections of the report indicate that Russia possessed damaging information about Clinton but chose not to disclose it. By September 2016, Russian intelligence had intercepted DNC communications highlighting concerns about Clinton’s well-being.
Significant Findings:
- Obama-Era Concerns: The report reveals that President Obama and senior Democrats were alarmed by Clinton’s declining health, deeming it a serious threat to her campaign. These concerns were kept highly confidential, with key campaign advisors unaware.
- Psychological Insights: Russian sources accessed DNC documents describing Clinton’s intensified psychological struggles, including uncontrolled emotional outbursts and a heavy reliance on tranquilizers, driven by a thirst for power.
- Physical Health Details: SVR had information about Clinton’s physical health issues. The most surprising aspect was that Russia opted not to disclose the most damaging information regarding Clinton, raising questions about their strategic intent.
Analysts speculate that Russia’s decision could stem from an anticipation of a Clinton victory or a desire to hold leverage post-election. The declassified report, initially compiled during the Trump era by the House Intelligence Committee, remained largely undisclosed until Gabbard, now serving as DNI under President Trump, authorized its complete release, emphasizing transparency.
The disclosures challenge the narrative around Russia-Trump collusion, questioning the selective portrayal of events and emphasizing transparency issues within intelligence circles.
