DOJ Investigates Former FBI, CIA Chiefs Brennan, Comey Over 2016 Russia Probe

The FBI has launched criminal investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey over their roles in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment and the inclusion of the controversial Steele dossier, which alleged collusion between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia. The investigations stem from a recently declassified "lessons learned" review by current CIA Director John Ratcliffe, which highlighted procedural anomalies and criticized Brennan for pushing the dossier's inclusion despite objections from senior CIA Russia experts. Brennan and Comey are being investigated for potential perjury, conspiracy, and other wrongdoing, including allegedly false statements to Congress. The FBI views their interactions as part of a "conspiracy," though the full scope of the probes remains unclear. Evidence against Brennan was referred to FBI Director Kash Patel by Ratcliffe, and while the DOJ and intelligence agencies have not commented, the probes mark a significant development in examining the origins and conduct of the Russia investigation. These investigations have drawn attention due to their focus on the credibility and integrity of the intelligence used to justify the inquiry into President Trump's 2016 campaign.