FBI Opens Criminal Probes into Ex-CIA, FBI Directors Brennan, Comey

The FBI has opened criminal investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey over their roles in the 2016 Russia election interference probe, with allegations focusing on potential false statements made to Congress. These investigations come amid President Donald Trump's ongoing criticism of both men, whom he has labeled as dishonest and suggested they might 'pay a price' for their actions during the probe. CIA Director John Ratcliffe, a Trump nominee, referred Brennan for potential prosecution and has publicly challenged the 2017 intelligence community's assessment of Russian interference, accusing previous officials of politicizing the process to undermine Trump. Brennan has condemned the investigations as politically motivated attacks that damage the intelligence community's credibility, while Comey has not commented publicly. The investigations mark a significant escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to retaliate against officials involved in the Russia probe, which special counsel Robert Mueller's report ultimately found no criminal conspiracy between Trump's campaign and Russia. White House officials have expressed support for the DOJ's decision to open these investigations, framing it as a pursuit of accountability.