The FBI during the Trump administration reportedly escalated its investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan regarding his involvement in the 2017 intelligence assessment of Russian interference in the U.S. election, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The probe, which began in 2018, focused on whether Brennan improperly handled classified information or misrepresented intelligence findings in the report. Analysts suggest the investigation reflects broader tensions between the Trump White House and intelligence agencies over the Russia probe.
“This was part of a pattern of targeting individuals perceived as opponents,” said a former intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed the investigation’s scope or findings.
Legal experts note that such probes into former intelligence officials are rare and could set a precedent for politicized investigations. The implications may extend to current intelligence community practices and public trust in nonpartisan assessments.