A group within the government, including Barack Obama, James Comey, and John Brennan, set up the Russian collusion hoax.

Posted by Ask Dr. Drew, Oct 21, 2026Checked Nov 2, 2026

Polygraph verdictMixed

Sources: 3 contradict2 support2 context
Said: 1 time·
Confidence: 45%

Ask Dr. DrewOct 21, 2026

The claim faithfully extracts the claimant's words, and a government source (ODNI, primary) asserts that Obama, Brennan, Comey and others manufactured the 2017 intelligence assessment behind the Russia collusion narrative.

What we found

Contradicts. Former FBI officials denied Patrick Byrne's allegation that the FBI directed him to pursue Maria Butina, and Comey called that claim 'ridiculous'; the allegation was described as unverified by the agencies.[4][5]

Contradicts. Brennan said he knows nothing of the DOJ investigations and called them politically motivated, while the DOJ confirmed probes into Brennan and Comey, so no authoritative body has adjudicated the conspiracy allegation.[1]

Supports. The ODNI primary release describes a declassified HPSCI report asserting that an Obama-led national security team, including Clapper, Brennan and Comey, manufactured an Intelligence Community Assessment they knew was false.[2]

Supports. A White House press briefing repeats the claim that the Obama administration manufactured politicized intelligence and names Brennan and Comey among officials involved, though this is a government characterization rather than independent findings.[3]

Context. Coverage of Byrne's account notes it was never verified and that the New Yorker reported Byrne offered no proof for his claims about a sting operation involving Clinton.[6]

Context. Social media and partisan commentary repeat the claim that Byrne helped set up the hoax under Brennan and Obama, adding no independent evidence.[7]