In a startling twist in the ongoing saga of the Trump-Russia investigation, it has been reported that the FBI has launched a criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey. The investigation is said to focus on potential wrongdoing related to their roles in the Trump-Russia probe and the alleged false statements they made to Congress. This development promises to bring fresh scrutiny to two individuals who have long been at the center of controversy.
While the full details of the investigation remain unclear, what is evident is that Brennan and Comey have found themselves in murky waters. Over the years, these former intelligence powerhouses have faced accusations regarding their handling of the infamous Steele dossier, a document filled with unverified claims funded by the Clinton campaign. There are serious allegations that both men may have misled Congress about the dossier’s credibility, despite being aware of its dubious origins. Their responses to previous inquiries have often been characterized by a lack of accountability, with both men adopting an attitude that suggests ignorance of the facts.
In 2017, an intelligence community assessment released by Brennan and Comey included the Steele dossier as credible, despite warnings from within the CIA questioning its validity. It’s been revealed that the CIA had serious reservations about the dossier, even as publicly, the Clinton campaign denied funding it. The timing of the FBI’s investigation raises questions about the conduct of these high-profile figures during a charged political environment, as they seemed to place political agendas over the integrity of their investigations.
Compounding the mystery are the details surrounding Carter Page, a figure heavily involved in the Steele dossier narrative. Not only was Page not a Russian spy, as painted by the dossier, but he was also an asset for the CIA. The intelligence community had informed the FBI early on that they were pursuing the wrong target. Nevertheless, the investigation and subsequent surveillance continued unabated, leading to accusations of misconduct and possibly perjury against both Brennan and Comey.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left to wonder whether this will result in real accountability. Comey, known for his assertiveness during congressional testimony, often claimed that his actions were above reproach and aligned with proper procedures. However, previous Inspector General reports have painted a contrasting picture, suggesting that the FBI did not follow established protocols during its investigation processes. This contradiction puts Brennan and Comey in a precarious position, as they grapple with the implications of their past decisions.
The stakes in this inquiry are relatively high. If the investigations reveal that Comey and Brennan misled Congress knowingly, they may face potential charges of perjury. The intricate web of political intrigue has captured the attention of many, as Republicans and conservatives alike ponder how deeply the influence of politics intertwined with intelligence operations during a defining era. The public can only wait and see what the aftermath of this latest development will bring, but one thing is certain: the saga is far from over.