FBI Report: Unlawful Bias in Background Checks for GOP Presidential Candidates
AFL Report Exposes FBI’s Weaponization of Background Investigations
A recent report published by America First Legal (AFL) reveals shocking details of how the FBI manipulated the federal background investigation process to hinder Republican presidents, particularly Donald Trump, from making political appointments. This egregious violation of the Privacy Act, the Paperwork Reduction Act, and other federal statutes was further exacerbated by the FBI’s disregard for its own Manual of Investigative Operations and Guidelines (MIOG).
The report alleges that during the Trump administration, the FBI conducted politically biased background checks, intentionally using ”unsubstantiated” and “derogatory” information to undermine potential appointees. This illegal behavior aimed to sabotage the appointments of individuals aligned with Republican ideologies.
AFL sent the report and a letter outlining its findings to key Republican representatives and Democrat senators, including Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer, and Sens. Dick Durbin and Gary Peters. The report draws attention to the nomination process of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, where the FBI’s supplemental investigation was requested due to unverified allegations of sexual impropriety.
AFL argues that if the confirmation process had been conducted fairly and objectively from the beginning, there would have been no need for a supplemental investigation. The FBI’s Washington, D.C. field office, known for its political bias, played a significant role in this institutionalized political weaponization. It raises doubts about the integrity of the supplemental investigation.
As AFL highlights, the FBI’s biased approach to the background investigation process violated several federal laws. The litigation conducted by AFL, leading to this report, demonstrates that the FBI failed to ensure Kavanaugh’s legal protections. The FBI’s collection of information without using a valid OMB-approved control number violated the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Furthermore, the FBI’s abandonment of MIOG standards, which require offsetting derogatory information, resulted in a violation of federal law. The report contends that the FBI’s disregard for MIOG also led to violations of federal law by maintaining irrelevant information about applicants in its records.
These findings, among others detailed in AFL’s report, shed light on a significant issue within our political system and government. The federal government and bureaucracy have become tools of weaponization against ideological opponents. When someone poses a threat to the regime’s agenda, its allies will stop at nothing to violate legally guaranteed protections. The illusion of political neutrality and fair play can no longer be sustained.
During Biden’s presidency, the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice revoked regulations designed to protect political nominees subjected to background investigations of this nature. Unless Congressional Republicans address this misconduct and exert their influence over these rogue agencies, the subterfuge witnessed during Kavanaugh’s confirmation will become the norm.
Samuel Mangold-Lenett is a staff editor at The Federalist. His writing has been featured in the Daily Wire, Townhall, The American Spectator, and other outlets. He is a 2022 Claremont Institute Publius Fellow. Follow him on Twitter @smlenett.
According to the AFL report, why are the intentional leaks of sensitive information by the FBI during the confirmation process concerning, and how do they impact public trust in the agency
Aponization by unilaterally deciding the scope and parameters of the investigation. This unprecedented interference undermines the integrity of the nomination process and questions the credibility of the FBI as an impartial investigative agency.
The AFL report highlights several instances where the FBI ignored its own guidelines and policies. For example, the report reveals that the FBI failed to interview crucial witnesses and potential corroborating witnesses during the background investigation of Justice Kavanaugh. This omission raises serious concerns about the thoroughness and objectivity of the investigation.
Furthermore, the report exposes how the FBI intentionally leaked sensitive information to the media during the confirmation process. These leaks were strategically designed to create a negative public perception of Justice Kavanaugh and further undermine his nomination. Such actions not only violate the Privacy Act but also erode public trust in the FBI’s ability to conduct fair and impartial investigations.
The AFL report calls for immediate action to address these egregious violations of the law. It recommends a comprehensive review and overhaul of the FBI’s background investigation process, with enhanced transparency and accountability measures. Additionally, AFL urges Congress to hold hearings to address the FBI’s weaponization of background investigations and ensure that such abuses of power do not recur in the future.
This report is a wake-up call for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. It exposes the dangers of allowing law enforcement agencies to manipulate investigations for political gain. Upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions should be paramount, and any attempts to subvert this principle must be vehemently condemned.
The AFL report not only exposes the FBI’s weaponization of background investigations but also raises broader concerns about the politicization of our government agencies. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of political agendas should never outweigh the pursuit of justice and fairness.
In conclusion, the AFL report sheds light on the FBI’s disturbing abuse of power. It highlights the need for immediate action to address these violations, protect the integrity of our democratic processes, and restore public trust in our law enforcement agencies. The weaponization of background investigations is a grave threat to our democracy, and it is the responsibility of all Americans to demand accountability and ensure that such abuses are never repeated.
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