House Intelligence Committee transcripts from 2017 and 2018 have resurfaced, revealing that top Obama-era intelligence officials admitted to having no “empirical evidence” of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. Despite this, the narrative of potential conspiracy persisted publicly. The officials, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, were deposed by the committee to determine if they had seen any evidence supporting claims of collusion.

Testimonies Align with Mueller’s Findings

The testimonies align with the findings of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which concluded there was no evidence of criminal coordination between Trump’s campaign and Russia. However, the investigation did not make a determination on obstruction of justice. The lack of direct evidence was highlighted by Clapper, who stated he never saw any direct empirical evidence of a conspiracy involving the Trump campaign.

Spotlight on Brennan and Comey

The transcripts have gained renewed attention amid revelations that former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey are under criminal investigation for potential wrongdoing related to the Trump-Russia probe. Allegations include making false statements to Congress. This development has intensified scrutiny over their roles in the investigation.

The Role of the Steele Dossier

A significant aspect of the investigation involved the Steele dossier, which was funded by Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee. The dossier contained unverified allegations against Trump and was used as a basis for FISA warrants against former Trump campaign aide Carter Page. Despite internal objections within the CIA about including the dossier in official assessments, it was referenced in a footnote due to insistence from senior FBI leadership.

Implications for Future Investigations

The ongoing investigations into Brennan and Comey could have wide-ranging implications, potentially opening up various prosecutorial options. The FBI and CIA have declined to comment on these developments. As these investigations unfold, they continue to shape public discourse around the origins and handling of the Trump-Russia probe.
The ongoing investigations into Brennan and Comey could have wide-ranging implications, potentially opening up various prosecutorial options. The FBI and CIA have declined to comment on these developments. As these investigations unfold, they continue to shape public discourse around the origins and handling of the Trump-Russia probe.