The Facts Unfold: Did Trump Show Evidence of Being Spied On by Obama?
Recent claims have circulated about alleged spying on President Donald Trump by former President Barack Obama and his administration. These rumors have been met with skepticism, and a closer examination of the facts reveals little to no concrete evidence supporting such claims.
No Evidence of Being Spied On
Contrary to the assertions of some, Donald Trump has not presented any evidence of being spied on by Barack Obama. According to historical records, there is no solid evidence to support these claims. The available information indicates that such claims are unfounded and based on conjecture rather than factual evidence.
Surveillance of Carter Page
Carter Page, a Trump campaign advisor, was indeed under FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) surveillance. However, this surveillance was not linked to the Trump campaign or President Obama. Page had been under surveillance for several years prior to his association with the campaign, primarily due to his foreign communications with Russia. The FISA process has extremely stringent standards, with renewals required every 90 days and evidence requirements that are incredibly demanding.
FBI Investigation of Trump Campaign
While an FBI investigation did take place regarding the Trump campaign's communications with a hostile foreign power (Russia), this investigation was not personally surveilling President Obama or his actions. The responsibility and focus of the investigation were on the Trump campaign's interactions with Russia.
Other Developments and Investigations
Recent developments indicate that the ongoing investigations into the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and the subsequent FBI probe are likely to provide more clarity. Attorney General William Barr has signalled that the results of John Durham’s criminal investigation into the so-called 'Obamagate' scandal will be released around Labor Day, September 4th. This investigation has been part of a broader effort to uncover the misuse of government resources, specifically the FBI and other intelligence agencies, to conduct operations related to the Democratic Party and against the Trump campaign.
Public Allegations and Speculation
Speculations about unlawful surveillance and political interference have also led to arrests and legal actions. John Clinesmith, an FBI lawyer, was indicted in a review of the Trump-Russia probe. This incident is part of a larger effort to expose these allegations, which include the potential financing of the probe by the Obama administration. Additionally, Texas prosecutor John Bash is investigating the case of Michael Flynn, further indicating the continuing scrutiny of these claims.
Implications for the Election
The timing of these revelations, particularly just before the election, is significant. The public exposure of these long-standing investigations and the associated scandals is expected to impact political perceptions and public opinion. While the prospect of indictments for high-ranking officials from the Obama administration is unlikely, the association of key figures like Joe Biden with these controversies is expected to be damaging. News of these wrongdoings and the implications for the 2020 election are likely to be consequential for public trust and political strategies.
Stay updated on the latest developments as the investigation progresses and as new information comes to light.