FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey concerning the bureau’s alleged surveillance of the 2016 Trump campaign. According to a report released on Tuesday, Comey, who was dismissed from his post as FBI director by President Donald Trump in 2017, has been accused of authorizing an “off-the-books” investigation into Trump’s campaign, which is being investigated based on claims from a whistleblower.
The Washington Times broke the news that the whistleblower claims Comey ordered two female undercover agents to infiltrate the Trump campaign in 2015. The investigation, according to the whistleblower, was distinct from the FBI’s official Crossfire Hurricane investigation into potential Russian interference in the Trump campaign—a narrative that was amplified by the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign and has been echoed by Democratic figures, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
New leadership within the FBI, including Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, is now focusing on the accusations made by the whistleblower. The whistleblower’s claims of an off-the-books investigation into Trump’s campaign first came to light in a protected disclosure to the House Judiciary Committee in 2022. The Washington Times initially reported on this confidential disclosure in October, adding further weight to the allegations.
This covert investigation allegedly took place in 2015, before the public release of the Crossfire Hurricane probe. It reportedly involved two female FBI operatives, often referred to as “honeypots,” a term used in intelligence agencies to describe undercover agents who feign sexual or romantic interest to gather sensitive information. According to reports, these agents were tasked with infiltrating Trump’s campaign with the aim of finding incriminating evidence that could be used to undermine the candidate.
Patel and Bongino have begun their investigation by attempting to track down the two alleged undercover agents involved in the operation. Their aim is to uncover the origins of the secretive operation, which, according to the whistleblower, lacked any legitimate justification or formal documentation. The whistleblower claims that Comey personally directed the operation but did not officially record it in any FBI system, bypassing standard investigative protocols. Instead of creating a formal case file in the FBI’s Sentinel system or using other methods of official record-keeping, Comey allegedly ran the investigation without a case file number, raising concerns over its secrecy and the lack of oversight.
The whistleblower further noted that the investigation appeared to be a “fishing expedition,” lacking any specific criminal focus or predication. The operation, according to the claims, was designed to gather any information, regardless of relevance, that could potentially damage Trump’s candidacy. In addition, it is claimed that the operation was deliberately concealed from the Department of Justice’s Inspector General, Michael E. Horowitz, who was tasked with overseeing investigations into FBI misconduct.
The investigation came to a halt when a major newspaper reportedly obtained a photograph of one of the undercover agents involved. The publication, having been warned about the risk of exposing an FBI informant, was informed by the FBI Press Office that the individual in the image was an undercover employee. The newspaper chose not to run the story, and the exposure of the agent’s identity led to the cessation of the operation.
As part of the ongoing probe into the matter, the whistleblower revealed that one of the agents involved voluntarily transferred to the CIA to avoid becoming a potential witness, while the other agent reportedly received a promotion within the FBI and is now holding a prominent executive position at a major field office.
Additionally, the whistleblower revealed that certain FBI employees had been instructed to never speak about the operation, even to others involved in the 2016 Trump campaign infiltration. These instructions, according to the whistleblower, appeared to be an attempt to prevent leaks and maintain the secrecy surrounding the investigation.
As Patel and Bongino dig deeper into the origins and details of the alleged off-the-books operation, the investigation is drawing increasing attention. It raises significant questions about the FBI’s conduct during the 2016 election cycle and the potential misuse of resources for political purposes. The new investigation into James Comey’s actions is expected to shine a light on what the FBI knew, how it operated, and whether it overstepped its bounds during one of the most contentious political periods in recent history.
This unfolding situation is continuing to gather momentum, with potential ramifications for both the reputation of the FBI and the broader political landscape.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
