In a dramatic development, the Department of Justice has confirmed criminal investigations are now underway targeting former CIA Director John Brennan and ex‑FBI Director James Comey. The investigations center on suspected false statements to Congress and other alleged misconduct linked to the Trump–Russia probe, DOJ officials disclosed.
Ratcliffe Flags Brennan to FBI
Sources report that current CIA Director John Ratcliffe forwarded evidence suggesting Brennan may have broken the law. That referral reached FBI leadership specifically Kash Patel, and triggered the criminal probe into Brennan’s actions. DOJ officials wouldn’t comment further, leaving open whether the inquiry extends beyond allegedly misleading Congress.
A parallel investigation into Comey has begun, per DOJ sources. However, officials have not revealed what specific actions or statements are under scrutiny.
What Sparked the Brennan Inquiry?
Under Ratcliffe’s direction, a review of the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) was declassified. That assessment, which concluded Russia sought to assist Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, revealed “procedural anomalies,” deviations from intelligence norms, and rushed processes allegedly influenced by political motives.
A key finding criticized the inclusion of the Steele dossier, calling it “counter to fundamental tradecraft principles” and undermining the ICA’s credibility. The dossier, financed by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the DNC and supplied by Fusion GPS, has since been discredited.
Brennan’s Role Under the Microscope
Declassified records show Brennan pushed to include the document in the ICA.
The review states: “Despite these objections, Brennan showed a preference for narrative consistency over analytical soundness. …”
Later noting, “Brennan ultimately formalized his position in writing, stating that ‘my bottomline is that I believe that the information warrants inclusion in the report.’”
This sharply contrasts with Brennan’s May 2023 testimony:
“The CIA was very much opposed to having any reference or inclusion of the Steele dossier in the Intelligence Community Assessment,” Brennan told the House Judiciary Committee.
A December 2016 internal CIA email warned that including the dossier would jeopardize “the credibility of the entire paper.” Yet, sources say, Brennan pushed ahead nonetheless. Ratcliffe told “violated the public’s trust and should be held accountable for it.”
A Broader Look Back at the Russia Probe
The lead-up to the probe’s launch, dubbed “Crossfire Hurricane” traces back to July 2016. Brennan informed then-President Obama of a scheme allegedly driven by Hillary Clinton’s campaign to falsely link Trump with Russia. That intelligence was forwarded via a CIA memo to Comey and others, prompting the bureau to open its investigation on July 31, 2016.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller ultimately cleared the Trump campaign of criminal conspiracy in March 2019. However, Special Counsel John Durham later criticized the origins of the probe. Durham’s report argued that the FBI “failed to act” on evidence suggesting Clinton’s campaign sought to manipulate the investigation. He maintained the FBI did not integrate this intelligence into its investigative decisions.
Administration Demands Accountability
Reigniting partisan tensions, the White House has called for consequences for former Obama‑era officials. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a blunt statement:
“President Trump was right, again. Those who engaged in this political scandal must be held accountable for the fraud they committed against President Trump and the lies they told to the American people.”
