Special counsel John Durham ruled that the FBI should not have launched a full investigation into the connection between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 campaign. The findings of the investigator, who was appointed by the Trump administration, were made public today.
Durham's report, about 300 pages long, also states that the FBI used "raw, undetailed, and unanalyzed intelligence" to open an investigation, but applied different standards when considering whether to open an investigation into alleged interference in Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Researcher Durham. No personal criticism, photo: AP
However, the special counsel did not recommend personal charges or a comprehensive change in the way the FBI handles politically charged cases, despite strong criticism of its conduct.
"Based on our review of the investigation and related intelligence activities, we conclude that in connection with certain incidents described in the report, the Department of Justice and the FBI failed in their important mission to remain faithful to the law alone," Durham wrote. "At least part of the team was personally involved in the matter and was inclined to open an investigation," he said.
Durham's report contradicts the Justice Department's previous inspector general's report: His document stated in December 2019 that there were problems with the investigation, but there was a basis for launching it.
Attorney General Merrick Darland sent the Durham report to lawmakers in Congress and in the accompanying letter stated that he was forwarding it as written and written, "without additions, edits, or other changes."
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