Durham: FBI Overstepped with Trump Campaign Probe

The FBI’s Controversial Investigation into Trump’s Campaign

The FBI’s decision to launch a full investigation into then-candidate Donald Trump’s campaign based on unverified intelligence has come under scrutiny. Special counsel John Durham, who recently spoke publicly about a report his team compiled, stated that the FBI’s actions were not justified.

After receiving information from Australian officials in July 2016 regarding Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos’ alleged contact with Russia, the FBI chose to open a full investigation rather than taking a more cautious approach. Durham’s investigation revealed that this decision was not based on a legitimate basis.

The FBI’s hasty move to launch a full investigation was made without conducting necessary checks on its own databases or those of other intelligence agencies. Additionally, the bureau failed to interview the Australian diplomats involved in the case.

Durham’s report revealed that experienced Russia analysts within the FBI and other sensitive positions in agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and Department of State had no information linking Trump to Russian officials. Despite this, the FBI proceeded with a full investigation.

During a hearing on Capitol Hill, Durham expressed his concerns about the FBI’s actions, stating that they immediately jumped to a full investigation without proper justification.

The FBI has not responded to requests for comment, but it has claimed to have implemented reforms to prevent similar missteps in the future.

Durham concluded that while the FBI had an obligation to assess the information from Australia, a preliminary investigation or assessment should have been conducted instead of a full investigation. FBI rules allow for these preliminary steps before launching a full investigation.

In July 2016, just three days after receiving the information from Australia, FBI official Peter Strzok initiated a full investigation called Crossfire Hurricane into Papadopoulos and other Trump campaign officials. Strzok, who has expressed bias against Trump, claimed that he was directed by then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe to open the probe.

Crossfire Hurricane aimed to determine if individuals associated with the campaign were involved in coordinating activities with the Russian government. FBI officials have defended their decision to launch the full investigation, citing Russia’s connection to WikiLeaks and attempts to interfere in the 2016 election, as well as Trump’s public statement about hoping Russia could find missing emails.

Durham’s investigation has raised questions about the FBI’s handling of the case and the need for more cautious and justified actions in similar situations.