Former Obama Director of National Intelligence James Clapper just confirmed what many have suspected: he’s feeling the heat. In a revealing CNN interview, Clapper admitted he’s “lawyered up” and worried the Trump administration might come after him criminally for his role in the infamous Russia collusion hoax. The stunning confession came just after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard referred the Obama-era intelligence operation to the DOJ, prompting the formation of a special Strike Force to investigate possible crimes.

Gabbard’s investigation already named Barack Obama in a criminal referral and alleges that former CIA Director John Brennan and others suppressed key intel showing Russia planned to release damaging information on Hillary Clinton only after she won the presidency. According to Gabbard, the suppressed material included potential criminal acts, DNC emails describing Clinton’s emotional instability, and even suggestions she was on heavy tranquilizers.

When CNN’s Kaitlan Collins pressed Clapper about the possibility of prosecution, his response was blunt. “Certainly I do [have concerns],” he said. “I take seriously when the President of the United States accuses me of being a participant in a treasonous conspiracy.” He admitted he’s had a lawyer on standby since 2017, but his tone made it clear—this time feels different.

Clapper insisted the accusations were “untrue” and seemed genuinely rattled by the developments. “It’s very disconcerting,” he said. The fact that he chose to speak on national television while under the threat of investigation left many scratching their heads. Legal experts were quick to point out that appearing on CNN probably wasn’t the wisest move.

Attorney Leslie McAdoo Gordon summed it up bluntly on X: “What a fool.”

Online reactions exploded as the clip of Clapper’s admission went viral. Many said he looked and sounded deeply nervous. Conservative strategist Ned Ryun chimed in, “Someone sounds very nervous.”

What’s more, Gabbard claims whistleblowers are “coming out of the woodwork” in the wake of her revelations. That could be a sign that more damning testimony and evidence are on the horizon—possibly tightening the noose around other former Obama intel officials.

The statute of limitations could present some hurdles for prosecution, but Gabbard’s DOJ team seems determined to dig into every layer of the Russiagate narrative. The decision to form a dedicated Strike Force shows a level of seriousness that’s been missing in past efforts at accountability.

Clapper’s appearance may be a warning sign of what’s to come: more high-ranking officials lawyering up, more leaks, and perhaps, for the first time, real consequences for those who launched one of the most damaging political disinformation campaigns in U.S. history.

For years, Americans were told that Trump was in Putin’s pocket. Now, with the tables turning and the architects of that narrative under scrutiny, the question is no longer if there was a hoax—but who will pay the price for it.