In a curious twist of fate, a recent memo from the CIA has drawn attention to the agency’s handling of the 2016 Russia report, suggesting that perhaps not all was above board in the intelligence community’s assessment.
On July 9, former CIA Director John Brennan stated that he has not received any communication from the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, or CIA concerning ongoing investigations involving himself and former FBI Director James Comey. This claim comes amidst swirling reports indicating that both men are under scrutiny.
During an interview with MSNBC, Brennan expressed his lack of awareness regarding any such investigations, labeling them as politically charged. “I know nothing about this reported investigation or referral to the DOJ, other than what I’ve read in these press reports,” he remarked. “This is unfortunately a very sad and tragic example of the continued politicization of the intelligence community.”
Despite Brennan’s assertions, a DOJ spokesperson confirmed to several media outlets that an investigation into Brennan and Comey is indeed underway, though specifics remain under wraps. The Epoch Times reached out for further clarification from the DOJ and FBI; the FBI chose silence, while the DOJ did not respond by the time of publication.
Brennan’s comments followed a report from Fox News, which cited anonymous sources claiming that both he and Comey are being investigated for possible misconduct linked to the probes assessing whether Russia aimed to assist then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton.
At the helm of the CIA, Brennan was part of the team that concluded with “high confidence” that Russian President Vladimir Putin attempted to influence the election vote in favor of Trump through an elaborate online disinformation campaign. This conclusion found backing in a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report from August 2018, led by acting chairman Marco Rubio, now Trump’s secretary of state. Interestingly, this report did not substantiate any collaboration between Russia and Trump’s campaign.
In his MSNBC interview, Brennan defended the CIA’s efforts in crafting the intelligence assessment, stating, “We took great care to protect the integrity of the process and the identities of individuals involved, including from the Trump administration.” He maintained that the assessment was both “comprehensive and exhaustive.”
It’s worth noting that Brennan and Comey’s actions regarding the intelligence community’s report on Russia collusion were previously scrutinized by special counsel John Durham during Trump’s first term, resulting in no criminal charges against either individual.
The current investigation into Brennan and Comey follows the release of a CIA memo on June 25, which was disclosed on July 2 by Director John Ratcliffe. The memo asserted that it “does not dispute the quality and credibility” of the classified CIA report that underpinned the conclusion regarding Putin’s intentions. However, it criticized intelligence leaders for hastily compiling the 2016 Russia report and relying on a narrow range of sources to assert with “high confidence” that Putin “aspired” to aid Trump in his electoral victory.
Trump has consistently dismissed the narrative of Russian collusion. In a press conference on July 9, he stated he was unaware of the investigations into Brennan and Comey other than what was reported that day, adding, “Whatever happens, happens.”
If you found this article interesting, please consider supporting traditional journalism
Our first edition was published 25 years ago from a basement in Atlanta. Today, The Epoch Times brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to millions of Americans.
Our journalists have faced threats, arrests, and assault, yet our commitment to independent journalism remains steadfast. This year marks our 25th year of reporting free from corporate and political influence.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory offer — just $1 per week — to join millions already celebrating independent news.
