What we know: Whistleblower alleges secret FBI Trump probe – Washington Times
A whistleblower disclosure to the House Judiciary Committee has raised allegations about a previously undisclosed FBI operation purportedly targeting former President Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. A committee spokesman has confirmed they “plan to look into” the allegations. As this story develops, here’s what we know so far:
What The Whistleblower Is Alleging
According to the whistleblower’s disclosure, the operation allegedly began shortly after Mr. Trump’s campaign announcement in June 2015, predating the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The whistleblower claims this was a criminal investigation rather than a counterintelligence operation, and reportedly had no specific crime target, characterizing it as a “fishing expedition.”
The investigation was allegedly conducted “off-the-books,” with no official case file created in the FBI’s Sentinel system or other FBI databases. The whistleblower claims the operation was hidden from Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz and purportedly used undercover agents rather than informants.
The disclosure describes an operation involving two female FBI agents who allegedly infiltrated the Trump campaign at “high levels.” These agents were reportedly directed to act as “honeypots” and purportedly traveled with Mr. Trump and campaign staff. According to the whistleblower, the operation specifically targeted campaign adviser George Papadopoulos. Previously released recordings show Mr. Papadopoulos denying campaign involvement in DNC hacking.
Key Players and Their Alleged Roles
The whistleblower’s disclosure implicates several high-ranking FBI officials. Then-FBI Director James Comey allegedly personally ordered and directed the investigation. Deputy Director Dave Bowdich and Assistant Director Paul Abbate, who was in charge of the Washington field office, allegedly helped execute the operation.
The current status of the accused agents is also detailed in the disclosure. One undercover agent was reportedly transferred to the CIA to avoid being a potential witness, while another employee purportedly received a promotion and is now a high-level FBI executive. The whistleblower claims employees were directed to never discuss the operation.
Cover Up?
According to the whistleblower, the investigation came to an end when a newspaper obtained a photograph of one alleged undercover agent. The FBI press office allegedly misled the newspaper by claiming the photograph showed an FBI informant rather than an agent, and warned that publication would endanger the person’s life. The disclosure notes that while the FBI has multiple methods for concealing sensitive investigations, Comey allegedly had no “legitimate reason” to avoid creating an official case file.
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker has weighed in on the allegations, stating that if true, they would represent a “booming, egregious violation” of rules. Swecker explained that such an operation would normally require Attorney General approval, proper predication (justification), and official documentation.
Current Status and What’s Next
The House Judiciary Committee’s investigation into these allegations is in its early stages. Several critical questions remain unanswered, including the veracity of the whistleblower’s claims, the extent of the alleged operation’s reach within the campaign, and the full scope of leadership knowledge and involvement. The potential impact on previous investigations’ findings and possible legal implications for any involved parties are yet to be determined.
hese allegations, if proven true, would represent a significant new chapter in the examination of FBI actions during the 2016 presidential campaign. Unlike previous investigations focusing on Russian interference and the Crossfire Hurricane operation, these claims suggest a separate, earlier effort to investigate Trump and his campaign that operated outside normal FBI protocols and oversight mechanisms. However, it’s crucial to remember that these claims remain unverified and are subject to ongoing investigation by the House Judiciary Committee.
