It is difficult to tell whether the FBI is the good guys or the bad guys anymore. Whistleblower claims FBI targeted Trump’s campaign in June 2015. Two undercover FBI agents infiltrated the campaign to spy on the project. Congress intends to conduct an investigation into the allegations.
Allegations of covert FBI operations
A whistleblower’s disclosure to the House Judiciary Committee revealed allegations of unauthorized FBI operations against Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. According to the allegations, former FBI Director James Comey approved these covert operations in 2015, deploying “honeypot” agents to extract potentially damaging information.
The operation allegedly began in June 2015, soon after Trump announced his candidacy. Two undercover FBI agents reportedly infiltrated the campaign with the goal of uncovering incriminating evidence rather than investigating a suspected crime. This raises concerns about possible abuses of power and politically motivated investigations within the bureau.
FBI ran ‘honeypot’ operation on 2016 Trump campaign – whistleblower
The previously unknown infiltration scheme was reportedly ordered by James Comey immediately after Trump announced his candidacyhttps://t.co/WSIpQjmkw8 pic.twitter.com/ufA2uQ12Xr
— RT (@RT_com) October 31, 2024
High-Level Involvement and Secrecy
According to the whistleblower, Comey personally directed the operation, which also included high-ranking FBI officials such as Deputy Director Dave Bowdich and Assistant Director Paul Abbate. Notably, the investigation reportedly lacked an official case file and operated outside of standard FBI protocols.
“The FBI employee personally observed one or more employees in the FBI being directed to never discuss the operation with anyone ever again, which includes talking with other people involved in the operation.” – whistleblower’s disclosure –
This level of secrecy and the alleged involvement of top FBI leadership raise questions about the operation’s legality and ethical implications. The claims challenge the integrity of investigatory processes and suggest a potential misuse of federal law enforcement resources for political purposes.
NEW: Via @jonathanvswan @katekelly me https://t.co/fipOwh5yVg
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) September 17, 2024
Targets and Consequences
Undercover agents allegedly targeted Trump campaign advisor George Papadopoulos. According to reports, the operation came to an abrupt end after a newspaper obtained a photograph of an FBI agent involved. In response, the FBI’s press office is said to have misled the newspaper to prevent publication of the image.
“booming, egregious violation” – Chris Swecker
Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker has commented on the allegations, saying that if true, they constitute a significant violation of FBI rules and procedures. The potential violation of established protocols, as well as the alleged attempt to conceal the existence of the operation, adds to the already serious allegations.
Congressional Response and Investigation
The House Judiciary Committee has received the whistleblower’s allegations and intends to conduct a further investigation. The committee’s spokesperson stated that they “plan to look into them,” indicating a possible formal investigation into the matter.
As the story progresses, it is likely to garner significant attention from both lawmakers and the public. The allegations raise sensitive issues about government overreach, political interference, and the proper role of law enforcement in electoral processes. The outcome of any investigation could have far-reaching implications for the FBI’s reputation and the broader landscape of American politics.
Sources:
- FBI infiltrated Trump campaign with ‘honeypots,’ whistleblower says: Report
- FBI James Comey Honeyspot