N※N

Trump administration targets Comey and Brennan with new investigation

The Trump administration has initiated a new investigation targeting former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan, as part of a broader effort by the Justice Department to scrutinize key figures involved in the early stages of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This move reflects a continuation of former President Donald Trump’s long-standing grievances against individuals he perceives as having wronged him during his tenure, particularly those associated with the origins of the Russia probe. The investigation signals an ongoing push by Trump and his allies to reexamine and potentially discredit the actions of intelligence and law enforcement officials who played significant roles in the inquiries that shadowed his presidency.

The probe, led by the Justice Department under the direction of Attorney General Merrick Garland, is reportedly focused on whether Comey and Brennan acted improperly or abused their authority during their respective tenures. While specific details about the scope and nature of the investigation remain limited, sources familiar with the matter suggest that it centers on decisions made during the initial stages of the Russia investigation, including the handling of sensitive intelligence and the justification for surveillance measures targeting individuals associated with Trump’s 2016 campaign. This includes the controversial use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to monitor Carter Page, a former Trump campaign adviser, which has long been a point of contention for Trump and his supporters.

James Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, was a central figure in the early Russia investigation. His decisions, including the public disclosure of the FBI’s probe into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and his subsequent firing by Trump in May 2017, made him a lightning rod for criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Trump has repeatedly accused Comey of bias and misconduct, claiming that the FBI under his leadership unfairly targeted his campaign. Comey’s dismissal, which Trump later suggested was linked to the Russia investigation, became a pivotal moment that led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to oversee the probe into Russian interference and potential coordination with the Trump campaign.

John Brennan, who led the CIA from 2013 to 2017, has also been a frequent target of Trump’s ire. Brennan was outspoken about the intelligence community’s assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Trump, and he has publicly criticized Trump’s conduct and rhetoric on numerous occasions. Trump revoked Brennan’s security clearance in 2018, a highly unusual move that was widely seen as retaliatory. The former CIA director has since become a prominent commentator, often denouncing Trump’s actions and policies. The current investigation appears to revisit Brennan’s role in shaping the intelligence community’s conclusions about Russian interference and whether his actions crossed ethical or legal boundaries.

The investigation into Comey and Brennan is part of a broader pattern of efforts by Trump and his allies to challenge the legitimacy of the Russia probe and the institutions that conducted it. Since leaving office, Trump has continued to push for accountability for those he believes conspired against him, often referring to the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt” and a “hoax.” His supporters in Congress and conservative media have echoed these sentiments, alleging that the FBI and CIA engaged in politically motivated surveillance and intelligence gathering. This narrative has fueled calls for investigations into the investigators, with figures like Comey and Brennan becoming symbols of what Trump and his base view as a “deep state” working to undermine his presidency.

Critics of the investigation argue that it represents an attempt to rewrite history and distract from the findings of the Mueller report, which, while not establishing a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, detailed extensive Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election and numerous contacts between Trump associates and Russian operatives. The report also documented instances of potential obstruction of justice by Trump, though no charges were filed. Opponents of the new probe contend that targeting Comey and Brennan risks politicizing the Justice Department and undermining public trust in law enforcement and intelligence agencies. They argue that revisiting these issues years after the events in question serves little purpose beyond settling personal scores.

Legal experts have raised concerns about the potential implications of the investigation, particularly regarding the independence of the Justice Department. While the department operates under the executive branch, it has historically maintained a degree of autonomy to avoid the appearance of political interference in its work. Under Trump’s presidency, however, the Justice Department faced accusations of being weaponized against his perceived enemies, with former Attorney General William Barr often aligning closely with Trump’s interests. Although Garland, the current attorney general, has pledged to restore the department’s independence, the decision to pursue an investigation into Comey and Brennan has reignited debates about whether political pressures are influencing prosecutorial decisions.

The investigation also comes at a time when Trump is actively campaigning for a potential return to the White House in the 2024 election. His rhetoric about retribution and accountability for those who opposed him has intensified, with promises to overhaul federal agencies and target individuals he believes acted against him. The probe into Comey and Brennan could serve as a rallying point for his base, reinforcing the narrative of victimhood and institutional bias that has been central to his political messaging. At the same time, it risks further polarizing an already divided electorate, as Democrats and other critics view such actions as evidence of Trump’s willingness to abuse power for personal gain.

For Comey and Brennan, the investigation represents yet another chapter in their contentious relationship with Trump. Both men have faced intense scrutiny and personal attacks from the former president and his allies over the years. Comey has largely remained out of the public eye since leaving the FBI, though he has written a memoir and occasionally commented on political developments. Brennan, on the other hand, has been more vocal, using his platform to warn against what he sees as threats to democratic norms and national security. Neither has publicly responded to the latest investigation, but their past statements suggest they are prepared to defend their actions and the integrity of the institutions they once led.

The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, as does its potential impact on the broader political landscape. If evidence of wrongdoing by Comey or Brennan were to emerge, it could bolster Trump’s claims of a conspiracy against him and provide ammunition for his supporters. However, if the probe finds no significant misconduct, it may be dismissed by Trump’s critics as a baseless vendetta. Regardless of the result, the investigation underscores the enduring fallout from the 2016 election and the Russia probe, which continue to shape American politics years later. It also highlights the challenges of maintaining trust in democratic institutions amid deep partisan divisions and personal animosities at the highest levels of government.

Beyond the immediate focus on Comey and Brennan, the investigation raises larger questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of intelligence and law enforcement in a polarized political environment. The decisions made by officials during the 2016 election cycle, and the subsequent investigations into those decisions, have left a lasting imprint on how Americans perceive the integrity of their government. As the Justice Department navigates this latest inquiry, it must balance the pursuit of justice with the need to avoid perceptions of political bias—a task that has proven increasingly difficult in an era of heightened partisan conflict.

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s targeting of James Comey and John Brennan through a new Justice Department investigation reflects a persistent effort to challenge the narrative surrounding the Russia probe and the actions of key figures involved. While the specifics of the investigation remain unclear, its implications for the independence of federal agencies, the legacy of the 2016 election, and the future of American politics are significant. As the probe unfolds, it will likely serve as a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over accountability, power, and trust in government, with far-reaching consequences for all involved.

Read the Full nbcnews.com Article at:
[ https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/trump-administration-targets-comey-brennan-new-investigation-rcna217713 ]