Overview

• FBI confirmed it has opened a preliminary criminal probe into alleged false statements by former directors John Brennan and James Comey to Congress on the 2016 Russian election interference.
• The internal CIA review criticized Brennan for stifling analytic debate and implied agency leadership predetermined the Russia assessment.
• Neither ex-official has been formally notified and the bureau has kept details—including its exploration of a possible conspiracy—under wraps.
• Brennan told MSNBC he has not been contacted by the FBI, DOJ or CIA and said he is unaware of the probe’s specific focus.
• President Trump publicly labeled both men “dishonest” and “corrupt,” while the Justice Department has declined to comment on the ongoing inquiry.