Special Counsel John Durham recently made shocking revelations before Congress about the FBI’s handling of alleged Russian collusion with Donald Trump’s campaign in 2016, which brought to light deeply troubling practices in American democracy.
Durham revealed before the House Judiciary Committee, “The FBI was too willing to accept and use politically funded and uncorroborated opposition research, such as the Steele dossier. The FBI relied on the dossier and FISA applications, knowing there was likely material originating from a political campaign or political opponent.” The report points to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign as the source of this misleading information.
Furthermore, Durham criticized the FBI for closing its investigation into Clinton’s mishandling of classified materials without any charges, around the same time it opened a baseless case on Trump. He characterized the FBI’s treatment of Clinton and Trump as “markedly different,” implying a heavy bias in the system.
According to Durham, the FBI was fully aware that the information used against Trump originated from Clinton’s campaign, but chose to ignore this fact. This narrative brings to light the problematic handling of the initial investigation into Trump, known as “Crossfire Hurricane,” and suggests the concealment of crucial information linking the Clinton campaign to the allegations against Trump.
Durham’s report and testimony have raised critical questions about the impartiality of the Justice Department, particularly given its continued investigation into Trump. Durham stated, “My concern about my reputation is with the people who I respect and my family and my Lord. And I’m perfectly comfortable with my reputation with them,” dismissing claims that his report was politically motivated.
The current climate has seen a resurgence in mistrust towards the Justice Department. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) underscored this, stating, “Sixty percent of Americans now believe there is a double standard at the Justice Department. You know why they believe that, ’cause there is! That has got to change.”
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. The leading GOP candidate for president faces a federal trial, and the majority of Americans distrust the institution handling the case. GOP leaders are promising to reform the system, but the focus remains on alleged bias within the Department of Justice, favoring Democrats and disparaging conservatives.
Durham’s revelations have exposed a troubling dynamic at the heart of the Justice Department. As Durham concludes, “When there are two sets of laws in a society, there is no law at all, there is only power.”
