Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper revealed during a CNN interview on Wednesday night that he has retained legal counsel in response to recent criminal referrals from the Trump administration concerning the origins of the 2016 Russia investigation.
Speaking with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Clapper acknowledged the legal risk posed by the newly announced Department of Justice “strike force” that is reportedly reviewing the roles of Obama-era officials:
“Well, I’ll lawyer up, I suppose. I already have,” Clapper said when asked what he would do if federal prosecutors pursue him.
The announcement comes after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard referred multiple members of the Obama administration—including President Obama himself—to the DOJ for criminal investigation.
The referrals are related to what Gabbard described as a “manufactured intelligence assessment” that wrongly asserted Russian efforts were aimed at helping Donald Trump win the 2016 election.
Background
In December 2016, Clapper reportedly told the Obama White House that there was no direct evidence of foreign interference altering the election outcome.
Despite this, a follow-up Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) released in January 2017 asserted that Russia interfered to aid Trump, a claim now being re-investigated.
Gabbard claims the ICA was pushed forward under political pressure and based on “unverified” or “raw” intelligence.
Clapper’s Response
Clapper stood by the integrity of the original intelligence assessment and dismissed claims of misconduct as “ridiculous”:
“I take seriously when the president of the United States accuses me of being a participant in a treasonous conspiracy,” he said.
“It is untrue.”
James Clapper says he’s concerned that he will be prosecuted and has “lawyered up.” pic.twitter.com/L8VUGDGnkc
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) July 24, 2025
