Durham says the FBI going after Trump over-relied on info acquired from Hillary.
The conclusion of the report highlights several key findings and issues:
Failure to uphold the law: The Department and the FBI failed to adhere strictly to the law in certain events and activities examined in the report.
Fabrication of evidence: Former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith committed a criminal offense by fabricating language in an email that was important to obtaining a FISA surveillance order.
Accuracy and completeness concerns: FBI personnel working on the FISA application displayed a cavalier attitude towards accuracy and completeness, indicating a lack of diligence and attention to detail.
Disregard for requirements: FBI personnel sought renewals of the FISA surveillance despite acknowledging that they did not genuinely believe there was sufficient probable cause, thus failing to meet important legal requirements.
Ignoring exculpatory information: Certain personnel disregarded significant exculpatory information that should have prompted a more restrained and critical approach to the investigation.
Lack of analytical rigor: Senior FBI personnel showed a serious lack of analytical rigor, particularly when it came to information received from politically affiliated individuals and entities. This information played a role in initiating and sustaining the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and led to the subsequent appointment of Special Counsel Mueller.
Reliance on biased sources: There was significant reliance on investigative leads provided or funded by Trump’s political opponents. The Department failed to adequately examine or question these materials and the motivations of those providing them, despite the presence of potentially contrary intelligence.
Need for improvement: The report emphasizes the need for the FBI and the Department to recognize and address the lack of analytical rigor, confirmation bias, and over-reliance on politically affiliated information. It suggests that investigators should consider alternative hypotheses and act with objectivity and restraint when pursuing allegations of collusion or conspiracy.
Upholding existing guidelines: Rather than recommending wholesale changes to guidelines and policies, the report stresses the importance of renewed fidelity to the existing rules and principles. It highlights the significance of integrity and adherence to the FBI’s guiding principles of “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity” in fulfilling the agency’s mission and upholding the Constitution.
The conclusion calls for improvements in how the government carries out its sensitive functions and how it analyzes and responds to politically charged allegations in the future. It encourages a more credible and accountable approach, emphasizing the integrity of those entrusted with following the existing guidelines.