As Donald Trump returns to the White House, he promises to address issues of national security overreach. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not fully disclosed important information regarding its investigation into alleged Russian connections during Trump's first term.
After a Freedom of Information request from RealClearInvestigations in August 2022, the FBI released a heavily redacted document on December 31, more than two years later. This document details a counterintelligence investigation initiated in May 2017, which suggested that Trump might be acting as an agent for Russia. The investigation aimed to determine if Trump had any connections or coordination with Russia and whether he obstructed FBI inquiries into Russian election interference.
This investigation, ordered by then-acting FBI director Andrew McCabe one week after Trump's firing of James Comey, focused specifically on Trump, unlike the earlier inquiry, Crossfire Hurricane, which looked at Trump’s associates. The document, dated May 16, 2017, claimed to have a basis for suspicion but does not disclose specific details.
The investigation, known as a Sensitive Investigative Matter, granted extensive surveillance powers to the agents involved. Although it suggested Trump might be involved in illegal behavior, the specific factual basis for these suspicions remains redacted. The inquiry was later included in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, which ultimately found no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Public reports indicate that the investigation was influenced by the Steele dossier, a document funded by Clinton's campaign which claimed collusion between Trump and Russia. Just before the investigation began, the FBI renewed contact with Christopher Steele, despite previously cutting ties with him due to discredited information.
McCabe’s comments imply that the investigation was sparked by Trump's firing of Comey rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing. He suggested that such an action raised questions about Trump's relationship with Russia. Despite the lack of evidence, McCabe ordered the investigation based on speculations.
The probe was concluded without confirming the Trump-Russia allegations, and the details surrounding its initiation remain unclear. As Trump prepares for his new term, there is a chance for the FBI to clarify its past actions regarding the investigation into him.
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