# Susan Rice: Comprehensive Analysis of Her Role in Obama Administration, Crossfire Hurricane, and Recent Developments ## Executive Summary Susan Elizabeth Rice, a career diplomat who served in key positions across three Democratic administrations, has found herself at the center of renewed scrutiny following recent declassifications by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The evidence reveals Rice's significant involvement in Obama administration intelligence operations targeting the Trump campaign and transition team, including her participation in key meetings, unmasking requests, and a controversial email to herself documenting sensitive conversations about Michael Flynn. ## Susan Rice's Role in the Obama Administration ### Career Trajectory and Obama Connection Susan Rice's relationship with Barack Obama began during the 2008 Democratic primary campaign, where she served as [his senior foreign policy advisor](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/susan-rice-team-player/). Despite initially working in the Clinton administration, [Rice defected from Hillary Clinton's orbit to join Obama's primary campaign in 2007, drawn by his opposition to the Iraq War](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-20722189). This early support established her as [one of Obama's most trusted advisors and secured her position in his inner circle](https://www.npr.org/2012/11/28/166072074/who-is-susan-rice). Rice served in multiple high-profile roles during the Obama years: - **U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2009-2013)** with [Cabinet rank](https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/srice.cfm) - **National Security Advisor (2013-2017)**, [leading the National Security Council staff](https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/srice.cfm) - Throughout both roles, she maintained [extraordinary access to Obama, meeting with him multiple times weekly and serving as his primary foreign policy confidant](https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/06/12/susan-rice-domestic-policy-profile-00038938) ### Key Policy Areas and Responsibilities As National Security Advisor, [Rice was responsible for coordinating all aspects of the administration's foreign and national security policy, intelligence, and military efforts](https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/srice.cfm). She provided daily national security briefings to Obama and chaired the Cabinet-level National Security Principals Committee. Her portfolio included [major crises such as ISIS, the Ebola epidemic, Iran nuclear negotiations, Syria policy, and Russian interference in the 2016 election](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Tough-Love/Susan-Rice/9781501189982). ## Crossfire Hurricane Investigation and Rice's Involvement ### The Investigation's Origins and Rice's Awareness Contrary to her sworn testimony, [evidence shows Rice was present when FBI Director James Comey briefed Obama about the Crossfire Hurricane investigation just weeks after it was launched on July 31, 2016](https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2020/07/30/susan_rices_strained_relationship_with_the_truth_strikes_again_124660.html). This directly contradicts Rice's sworn statement to Congress that she was never told about the FBI's Trump-Russia investigation. Former FBI Director James Comey testified that Rice was present when he informed Obama about Crossfire Hurricane, creating what investigators call a ["contradiction that could lead to charges that Rice lied to Congress"](https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2020/07/30/susan_rices_strained_relationship_with_the_truth_strikes_again_124660.html). The discrepancy raises questions about how actively involved Obama's inner circle was in the effort to surveil the Trump campaign. ### The January 5, 2017 Oval Office Meeting A crucial meeting occurred on January 5, 2017, involving [Obama, Vice President Biden, Rice, FBI Director Comey, and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/michael-flynn-full-susan-rice-email-sent-on-trumps-inauguration-day-267998). This meeting followed an intelligence briefing on Russian interference and [focused on how to handle the Flynn situation](https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/498593-read-susan-rices-email-discussing-michael-flynn-and-russia/). According to the declassified portion of Rice's email, [Comey expressed concerns that incoming National Security Advisor Flynn was "speaking frequently with Russian Ambassador Kislyak" and suggested this "could be an issue as it relates to sharing sensitive information"](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/susan-rice-email-declassified-release-is-imminent-source). When Obama asked if the NSC should withhold Russia-related information from Flynn, [Comey replied "potentially"](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/susan-rice-email-declassified-release-is-imminent-source). ### Rice's Self-Addressed Email On January 20, 2017 (Trump's inauguration day), [Rice sent herself an email documenting the January 5 meeting](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/michael-flynn-full-susan-rice-email-sent-on-trumps-inauguration-day-267998). This "unusual" email, as described by Senate investigators, [claimed Obama insisted everything regarding Russia be done "by the book"](https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2020/07/30/susan_rices_strained_relationship_with_the_truth_strikes_again_124660.html). However, critics argue this email was created to provide legal cover for the administration's surveillance activities. The timing of the email—written in the final minutes of the Obama administration—has raised questions about its purpose. Rice claimed Obama's righteous admonition about proceeding "by the book," but [skeptics question why she waited until her last hours in office to document this conversation](https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/joe-biden-susan-rice). ## Unmasking Activities and Trump Officials ### Scope of Unmasking Requests [Rice acknowledged making numerous requests to "unmask" Trump transition officials in intelligence reports](https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/13/politics/susan-rice-house-investigators-unmasked-trump-officials). While unmasking is legal when done for legitimate national security purposes, [the frequency and targets of Rice's requests have drawn scrutiny](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/susan-rice-unmasking-controversy/story?id=46592843). Rice testified to House investigators in September 2017 that [she unmasked Flynn and other Trump officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon, from transcripts of classified intercepts](https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/13/politics/susan-rice-house-investigators-unmasked-trump-officials). She claimed this was necessary to [understand why the UAE crown prince was visiting New York without notifying the Obama administration](https://www.newsweek.com/susan-rices-explains-why-she-unmasked-trump-officials-664726). ### Political Motivations Alleged Critics argue Rice ["repurposed U.S. intelligence resources to spy on American citizens" to learn about the incoming Trump administration's foreign policy plans, particularly regarding Obama's Iran nuclear deal](https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/joe-biden-susan-rice). However, Rice has consistently denied any political motivations, stating: ["The allegation is that somehow Obama administration officials utilized intelligence for political purposes. That's absolutely false"](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/susan-rice-speaks-out-unmasking-accusations-i-leaked-nothing-nobody-n742486). ## Connections to Hillary Clinton Campaign ### Campaign Relationship While Rice did not have direct connections to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, her position in the Obama administration placed her at the center of efforts that critics argue were designed to benefit Clinton's candidacy. [Her work on the Russia intelligence assessment occurred after Trump's victory over Clinton](https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/press-releases-2025/4090-pr-18-25). ### Policy Continuity Concerns Evidence suggests [Rice was concerned about how Trump's foreign policy might "upend Obama's signature initiatives," particularly the Iran nuclear deal](https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/joe-biden-susan-rice). This provides context for her keen interest in monitoring Trump transition team communications with foreign officials. ## Appearances in Durham and Mueller Reports ### Limited Direct References [Susan Rice does not appear prominently in the Mueller Report as a central figure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossfire_Hurricane_\(FBI_investigation\)), though the investigation built upon the foundation of Crossfire Hurricane, in which she was involved. The Mueller investigation concluded that Russia interfered in the election but did not establish coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. ### Durham Investigation Context [John Durham's investigation into Crossfire Hurricane's origins has focused more heavily on FBI officials like Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, as well as CIA Director John Brennan](https://www.yahoo.com/news/tulsi-gabbard-openly-accuses-obama-165643179.html). While Rice's role has been documented, [she has not been a primary target of Durham's criminal probe](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/michael-flynn-full-susan-rice-email-sent-on-trumps-inauguration-day-267998). ## Recent Tulsi Gabbard and Grassley Releases ### New Evidence of Obama Administration Conspiracy In July 2025, [DNI Tulsi Gabbard released declassified documents that she claims provide "irrefutable evidence" that Obama and his national security team "directed the creation of an Intelligence Community Assessment that they knew was false"](https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/press-releases-2025/4090-pr-18-25). These documents specifically name Susan Rice among the officials involved in manufacturing intelligence about Russian interference. ### Gabbard's Criminal Referral [Gabbard has made a criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding Obama administration officials, including Rice, for allegedly manufacturing intelligence claiming Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump](https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/gabbard-details-declassifies-documents-claims-obama-officials-manufactured-intelligence-national-security-john-brennan-ai-generated). Gabbard asserts this was part of a ["treasonous conspiracy" to subvert Trump's presidency](https://www.yahoo.com/news/tulsi-gabbard-openly-accuses-obama-165643179.html). ### Senate Intelligence Committee Response [Senator Chuck Grassley announced he would release additional documents related to the 2018 DOJ Inspector General report, focusing on the department's handling of investigations related to the 2016 election](https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/gabbard-details-declassifies-documents-claims-obama-officials-manufactured-intelligence-national-security-john-brennan-ai-generated). These releases have provided [new context for Rice's role in the broader intelligence operations](https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/cfh-timeline-w-updates-20201203-final). ## Criminal Charges Analysis ### Current Legal Status As of August 2025, Susan Rice has not been charged with any crimes related to her role in Crossfire Hurricane or unmasking activities. [Attorney General Bill Barr previously stated he did not expect Durham's investigation to result in criminal charges against Obama or Biden, though he left open the possibility for others](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/19/michael-flynn-full-susan-rice-email-sent-on-trumps-inauguration-day-267998). ### Potential Legal Exposure Legal experts suggest Rice could potentially face charges for: - **Perjury**: [For allegedly lying to Congress about her knowledge of Crossfire Hurricane](https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2020/07/30/susan_rices_strained_relationship_with_the_truth_strikes_again_124660.html) - **Conspiracy**: [If evidence emerges of coordinated efforts to manufacture intelligence](https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/press-releases-2025/4090-pr-18-25) - **Abuse of Power**: [Related to unmasking requests if proven to be politically motivated](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/susan-rice-unmasking-controversy/story?id=46592843) However, [proving criminal intent would require demonstrating that her actions went beyond legitimate national security concerns](https://www.axios.com/2020/05/19/susan-rice-michael-flynn-declassified-email). ## Inspector General Reports ### Department of Justice OIG Findings [The December 2019 DOJ Inspector General report on FISA applications found significant problems with the Crossfire Hurricane investigation but did not specifically highlight Rice's role](https://www.justice.gov/storage/120919-examination.pdf). The report focused primarily on FBI personnel and their handling of the Carter Page FISA applications. ### Other OIG References Rice appears in [various Inspector General reports related to her official duties](https://oig-files.ssa.gov/semiannual/sar102009032010_0.pdf), but not specifically regarding criminal conduct. Her role in policy implementation and coordination appears in [routine oversight reports across multiple agencies](https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/2020-05/50701-0002-21.pdf). ## Susan Rice's Book and Public Statements ### "Tough Love" Memoir (2019) Rice published her memoir ["Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For" in 2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tough_Love:_My_Story_of_the_Things_Worth_Fighting_For). The book addresses several controversies, including Benghazi, but [provides limited insight into her role in Crossfire Hurricane or Russian interference investigations](https://www.npr.org/2019/10/08/766842348/in-tough-love-former-u-n-ambassador-susan-rice-aims-to-reclaim-her-voice). In the memoir, Rice defends her actions and denies any wrongdoing. She writes: ["it is completely false to suggest that asking for the identity of an American person is the same as leaking it"](https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/aug/07/look-back-susan-rice-benghazi-and-unmasking/). The book was seen as [positioning her for a potential role in the Biden administration](https://robertjprince.net/2021/07/25/review-of-susan-rices-memoir-tough-love-my-story-of-the-things-worth-fighting-for/). ### Public Defense of Actions Rice has consistently maintained her innocence in various interviews and public statements: - **2017 MSNBC Interview**: ["I leaked nothing to nobody and never have and never would"](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/susan-rice-speaks-out-unmasking-accusations-i-leaked-nothing-nobody-n742486) - **PBS Interview Response**: [Initially claimed to know "nothing about" unmasking reports, later clarified she didn't know what specific reports were being referenced](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/susan-rice-unmasking-controversy/story?id=46592843) - **Congressional Testimony**: [Provided detailed explanations for unmasking requests, citing national security justifications](https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/13/politics/susan-rice-house-investigators-unmasked-trump-officials) ## Current Activities (2024-2025) ### Professional Positions Following her departure from the Biden administration in May 2023, Rice has returned to several academic and corporate roles: **Netflix Board of Directors**: [Rice rejoined Netflix's board in September 2023, earning an annual retainer of $300,000](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/susan-rice-joins-netflix-board-after-biden-1235585878/). She previously served on the board from 2018-2020 before [joining the Biden administration](https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/susan-rice-rejoins-netflix-board-1235718156/). **Academic Appointments**: - [Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at American University's School of International Service](https://www.hamilton.edu/events/greatnames/susan-e-rice) - [Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs](https://www.american.edu/media/201738-susan-rice-joins-school-of-international-service.cfm) - [Visiting Fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute (Spring 2024)](https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/people/susan-e-rice) **Other Positions**: - [Board member of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts](https://ir.netflix.net/governance/Leadership-and-directors/person-details/default.aspx?ItemId=98b65d4c-809b-4874-8b7e-f4ae98e04086) - Contributing opinion writer (status unclear as of 2025) ### Recent Public Engagement Rice continues to be active in public policy discussions and academic settings. In January 2025, [she participated in Georgetown University's Civic Tech Live series, discussing public service careers and government delivery](https://beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/diplomat-susan-rice-joins-lynn-overmann-to-discuss-public-service-careers-at-first-ever-civic-tech-live-event-series/). She has also been involved in [various speaking engagements and policy forums](https://newalbanyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NACF-NALS_National-Security_March-4_Playbill_Web.pdf). ## Confirmation History and Senate Relations ### Successful Confirmations Rice has had a mixed relationship with Senate confirmation processes: - **UN Ambassador (2009)**: [Confirmed by unanimous consent on January 22, 2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Rice) - **National Security Advisor (2013)**: [No confirmation required](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-20722189) - **Domestic Policy Advisor (2021)**: [No confirmation required](https://ballotpedia.org/Susan_Rice) ### Failed Secretary of State Bid (2012) Rice's most notable confirmation controversy occurred in 2012 when [she withdrew her name from consideration for Secretary of State](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-dec-13-la-na-obama-cabinet-20121214-story.html). Republican senators, led by John McCain and Lindsey Graham, [opposed her nomination due to her role in the Benghazi controversy](https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2012/11/key-gop-senators-vow-oppose-susan-rice-secretary-state/59516/). Rice wrote to Obama: ["If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly — to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities"](https://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/susan-rice-withdraws-for-secretary-of-state-085066). This withdrawal was seen as [a significant political defeat for Obama, who had strongly supported her candidacy](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-dec-13-la-na-obama-cabinet-20121214-story.html). ### Congressional Relationships Rice has been criticized for having strained relationships with Congress. [Lawmakers have complained that she can be "short with them during one-on-one conversations and dismissive of the role Congress plays in developing policy"](https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/06/12/susan-rice-domestic-policy-profile-00038938). This reputation has followed her throughout her career and complicated her confirmation prospects. ## Conclusion Susan Rice's involvement in Crossfire Hurricane and related intelligence operations represents one of the most significant controversies of her career. The recent declassifications by Tulsi Gabbard have renewed focus on her role in what critics characterize as an unprecedented surveillance operation against a political opponent. While Rice maintains her actions were legally justified and motivated by legitimate national security concerns, the evidence suggests deeper involvement in intelligence operations targeting the Trump campaign than previously acknowledged. The contradictions between her sworn testimony and documented evidence, combined with the timing of her self-addressed email and the scope of her unmasking activities, raise serious questions about potential criminal liability. However, as of August 2025, no charges have been filed, and Rice continues her career in academia and corporate boardrooms while defending her record of public service. The ongoing release of classified documents and continued investigations may yet reveal additional evidence of her role in what some characterize as an abuse of intelligence powers for political purposes. Rice's legacy will ultimately depend on whether future legal proceedings validate her claims of acting within proper authority or confirm critics' allegations of unlawful surveillance and obstruction.