What was once labeled as a “dangerous conspiracy” has now been found to ring true.
According to Special Counsel John Durham’s final report on the investigation into alleged election collusion between former President Trump and Russia, the FBI and Justice Department were found to have initiated the Trump-Russia probe without sufficient evidence, a departure from their response to claims against Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
The long-awaited report, delivered to Congress on Monday, stated that the FBI and DOJ failed to uphold their commitment to uphold the law when launching the investigation.
The report also highlighted the notable differences in the government’s level of interest between the Trump and Clinton campaigns.
While the FBI provided briefings to Clinton staffers regarding potential threats aimed at her campaign, it disregarded intelligence received from a trusted foreign source pointing to a Clinton campaign plan to connect Trump with Vladimir Putin and divert attention from her own concerns regarding her private email server, (for those unaware, look up American soldiers in Benghazi).
The report criticized the FBI for its quick and unverified approach in opening and investigating Crossfire Hurricane during the presidential election season. It contrasted this approach with the considerable caution exercised in prior cases involving possible foreign interference plans aimed at the Clinton campaign.
Throughout the 18 months preceding the 2016 election, the FBI encountered several proposed investigations that could have affected the election. In each instance, including those related to Clinton, the FBI proceeded with considerable caution.
Defensive briefings were provided to Clinton and other officials who appeared to be targets of foreign interference.
In one case, the FBI decided to end an investigation when a confidential human source exceeded authorized limits and made an improper financial contribution to the Clinton campaign on behalf of a foreign entity.
Regarding the Clinton Foundation matter, both senior FBI and Department officials imposed restrictions that led to minimal investigative activities for months prior to the election.
In contrast to the full investigation launched by the FBI into unknown members of the Trump campaign based on uncorroborated information, no inquiry, taskings, analytical personnel or analytical products were pursued in relation to the purported Clinton campaign plan.
The report pointed out that despite the significant nature of the intelligence on the Clinton plan, which prompted the Director of the CIA to brief top government officials, the FBI failed to take any action.
The FBI responded to the report by stating that corrective actions had already been implemented by current leadership in response to the conduct examined by Special Counsel Durham.
The bureau emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous, objective and professional work to meet the expectations of the American people.
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