Allegations from an FBI whistleblower have thrust former Director James Comey into the spotlight, charged with deploying female agents to infiltrate Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.
At a Glance
- Whistleblower accuses Comey of using “honeypots” to infiltrate Trump’s campaign.
- Operation allegedly conducted without formal oversight or documentation.
- The operation was distinct from Crossfire Hurricane and approved by top FBI officials only.
- House Judiciary Committee investigates the whistleblower’s claims.
Whistleblower Allegations Against Comey
An FBI whistleblower informed Congress that James Comey ordered the use of female agents to infiltrate Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. This alleged operation was reportedly conducted without explicit approval from the attorney general and was separate from the Russian election interference investigation known as Crossfire Hurricane. It raises concerns about the FBI potentially misusing its resources and deviating from standard operating procedures.
This whistleblower claim has spurred an investigation by the House Judiciary Committee to scrutinize the legality and ethics of the alleged operation. It was purportedly managed in secrecy by Comey and other senior officials to avoid scrutiny from standard FBI oversight mechanisms. Concerns mount that the operation did not follow FBI guidelines and stands as a misuse of power if true.
Lack of Documentation and Oversight
The whistleblower’s accusations suggest that this operation, intended as a “fishing expedition,” was devoid of proper documentation and any specific criminal basis. Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker commented, “This would be a booming, egregious violation” of FBI regulations, should the allegations prove to be accurate.
The covert operation allegedly did not generate an official case file in the FBI’s Sentinel system, raising questions about why such secrecy was deemed necessary. Allegedly, Comey, with Deputy Director Dave Bowdich and Paul Abbate, managed the operation in such a manner, bypassing usual FBI safeguards.
The whistleblower disclosure said that two female FBI undercover agents successfully infiltrated Trump’s 2016 campaign at high levels and were directed to act as “honey pots” while traveling with Trump and his campaign staff on the trail.https://t.co/rq9Zt8d5pi
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 29, 2024
Response and Investigation
James Comey previously criticized for his handling of the FBI’s investigations, is yet again under scrutiny. He has admitted to errors in previous investigations, stating, “As director, you are responsible for this,” acknowledging his role in FBI missteps. This new allegation further complicates the narrative surrounding the FBI’s methods during the 2016 elections and calls attention to ongoing issues of bias and adherence to lawful procedures.
As the House Judiciary Committee delves deeper into these allegations, there is increased pressure for transparency and accountability within the FBI to ensure that agency protocols are respected and adhered to, particularly in politically sensitive investigations.
Sources
2. Comey takes responsibility for FBI ‘sloppiness’ revealed in DOJ watchdog’s report
