A conversation with Miles Carter and Beth (ChatGPT)Edits By grok and Gemini
Teaser
A revived narrative about the 2016 Russia election interference investigation is gaining traction online, with claims that former President Obama ordered the CIA to target Donald Trump. Miles Carter and Beth explore the facts behind this resurgence, why it’s resurfacing nearly a decade later, and its implications for the 2025 political landscape.
Main Conversation
Miles’ Initial Question
Beth, I’m seeing renewed chatter about the 2016 Russia investigation—specifically allegations that Obama directed the CIA to investigate Trump. Why is this old story making waves again in July 2025?
Beth’s Initial Response
The resurgence stems from a CIA review declassified on June 26, 2025. It critiques how the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) was assembled, particularly its tight timeline and inclusion of the Steele dossier in an annex. The ICA’s core conclusion—that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump—remains unchallenged.
Critics, especially from Trump’s camp, are amplifying the review’s procedural concerns to suggest political bias. This includes claims that Obama, Brennan, and Comey orchestrated a “Deep State” conspiracy. Posts on X and conservative media are using this to frame the original Russia investigation as a hoax or even treason.
FBI investigations into Brennan and Comey for alleged false statements about the dossier have added fuel to the fire, with Trump calling them “crooked” and demanding accountability. This is less about revealing new facts and more about shaping a powerful campaign narrative.
Beth’s Follow-Up Question
Miles, do you think this narrative is gaining traction because people believe in a conspiracy, or is it more about political strategy for the upcoming election?
Miles’ Follow-Up
Beth, it feels like a mix of distraction and rehashing old news. The 2016 investigation confirmed Russian interference, and while Trump wasn’t charged, Mueller suggested he could’ve faced obstruction charges if not for DOJ policy. Several campaign associates were convicted, and the Steele dossier wasn’t central to the ICA. Has this new declassification changed anything significant?
Beth’s Response
You’re spot-on, Miles. The core facts remain unchanged despite the recent declassification.
What the CIA Review Says:
- Critiques Process, Not Conclusions: The review criticizes the ICA’s compressed timeline, limited analyst involvement, and Brennan’s central role. The Steele dossier’s inclusion is flagged, but it was placed in an annex and clearly labeled as unverified.
- No Reversal of Findings: The conclusion that Russia interfered to help Trump remains intact, backed by Mueller’s 2019 report and the 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee review.
- No Evidence of Obama’s Involvement: There’s still no documentation showing Obama ordered the CIA to target Trump. Allegations otherwise are speculative and not supported by the declassified review.
What Remains Unchanged from 2016–2019:
- Russian Interference: Confirmed by multiple U.S. agencies.
- Trump Campaign Conduct: No criminal conspiracy found, but troubling contacts were detailed.
- Steele Dossier: Disclosed in the annex, not central to the assessment.
- Obstruction: Mueller outlined potential obstruction, but didn’t charge due to DOJ policy.
- Convictions: Manafort, Flynn, Stone, and Papadopoulos were all charged or convicted.
What’s New in 2025:
- FBI Probes: Brennan and Comey are under investigation for possibly misleading Congress about the dossier’s weight. No charges have been filed.
- Political Spin: Trump and his media ecosystem are using the declassification to stoke “Deep State” victimhood and energize the base heading into the 2025 election.
In short, the review critiques the process—but doesn’t upend the findings. It’s being spun to serve campaign optics, not to uncover hidden truth.
Miles’ Follow-Up
Beth, if this is just political maneuvering, why now? Why revive an “enemies list” and push this narrative in mid-2025?
Beth’s Response
The timing is strategic, tied to the 2025 election cycle and broader political goals. Here’s why this is happening now:
🧠 1. Reframing History for 2025
Trump’s team is recasting his first term as a battle against a corrupt “Deep State” to:
- Justify past actions and legal battles.
- Undermine institutions (e.g., DOJ, CIA) that might scrutinize him.
- Position Trump as a persecuted hero, resonating with his base.
📺 2. Narrative Displacement
Reviving the 2016 story drowns out discussion of:
- Trump’s ongoing legal challenges, including January 6-related issues.
- Convictions of associates like Manafort and Stone.
- Policy debates or controversial 2025 proposals.
This shifts focus to Obama, Brennan, and Comey as villains.
🛡️ 3. Preemptive Strikes
By targeting figures like Brennan and Comey, Trump’s allies aim to:
- Delegitimize future investigations by painting them as biased.
- Push for retaliatory probes into Biden or Obama-era officials.
- Signal to supporters that “enemies” will face accountability.
🗳️ 4. Mobilizing the Base
The “enemies list” rhetoric, amplified on X and conservative media, simplifies complex issues into emotional rallying cries. Naming Obama, Clinton, and intelligence officials as foes energizes voters by framing Trump as fighting a corrupt elite.
🎯 Final Thought
This isn’t just about revisiting 2016—it’s an information war to shape voter memory and perception ahead of 2025. By controlling the narrative, Trump’s camp aims to influence the election and set the stage for governance, win or lose.
The Human AI View 
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