How the FBI Tried to Save Itself and Crashed an Election

The FBI's Investigation of the Clinton Foundation

In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, the FBI launched an investigation into the Clinton Foundation, a charitable organization founded by former President Bill Clinton and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The investigation was prompted by allegations that the foundation had engaged in pay-to-play schemes, in which donors to the foundation received favorable treatment from the State Department when Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State.

The FBI's investigation was led by James Comey, who was then the director of the FBI. Comey was a Republican who had been appointed to the position by President George W. Bush. He was seen as a fair and impartial investigator, and his involvement in the Clinton Foundation investigation was widely seen as an indication that the FBI was taking the allegations seriously.

October Surprise: How the FBI Tried to Save Itself and Crashed an Election

by Devlin Barrett

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2570 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages

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The FBI's investigation was extensive and included interviews with dozens of witnesses and a review of thousands of documents. However, the investigation did not find any evidence of criminal wrongng on the part of Hillary Clinton or the Clinton Foundation.

The FBI's Announcement of the Investigation

In July 2016, just two months before the presidential election, Comey announced that the FBI was reopening its investigation into the Clinton Foundation. This announcement came as a surprise to many, as the FBI had previously closed its investigation in March 2016 without finding any evidence of wrongng.

Comey's announcement was widely seen as a sign that the FBI was trying to influence the outcome of the election. The announcement was particularly damaging to Clinton, as it came at a time when she was already trailing in the polls.

The Reaction to the FBI's Announcement

The FBI's announcement was met with outrage by Democrats, who accused the FBI of trying to interfere in the election. Republicans, on the other hand, defended the FBI's actions, arguing that it was simply ng its job.

The FBI's announcement also sparked a firestorm of controversy over Comey's handling of the investigation. Some accused Comey of being politically motivated, while others defended his actions as necessary to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

The Fallout from the FBI's Announcement

The FBI's announcement had a significant impact on the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Clinton lost the election to Donald Trump, and many believe that the FBI's announcement played a role in her defeat.

The FBI's announcement also damaged the FBI's reputation. The FBI is supposed to be an independent law enforcement agency, but the announcement of the Clinton Foundation investigation raised questions about whether the FBI was being used as a political weapon.

The FBI's announcement also led to a loss of confidence in Comey. Comey was fired by Trump in May 2017, and he has since been criticized for his handling of the Clinton Foundation investigation.

The Lessons Learned from the FBI's Investigation

The FBI's investigation of the Clinton Foundation is a case study in how not to conduct an investigation. The FBI's investigation was politically motivated, and it was timed to have the maximum impact on the 2016 presidential election.

The FBI's investigation also damaged the FBI's reputation. The FBI is supposed to be an independent law enforcement agency, but the investigation of the Clinton Foundation raised questions about whether the FBI was being used as a political weapon.

The FBI's investigation also led to a loss of confidence in Comey. Comey was fired by Trump in May 2017, and he has since been criticized for his handling of the Clinton Foundation investigation.

The FBI's investigation of the Clinton Foundation is a reminder that the FBI must be independent and impartial. The FBI must not be used as a political weapon, and it must not be used to influence the outcome of elections.

October Surprise: How the FBI Tried to Save Itself and Crashed an Election

by Devlin Barrett

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2570 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages

FREE