Former CIA Director John Brennan appeared on MSNBC Wednesday, expressing confusion over reports linking him to an FBI probe. He said he was completely “clueless” about any potential investigation against him. The news followed Fox News Digital’s report that Brennan could face prosecution related to the Trump-Russia collusion inquiry.
Justice Department sources revealed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that current CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred evidence of misconduct to FBI Director Kash Patel. The referral centered on Brennan’s handling of the 2017 Russia collusion probe. Meanwhile, an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey is also reportedly underway.
Brennan told MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace on “Deadline: White House” that he already testified before multiple congressional committees. He firmly stood by his decisions during the investigation. “I think the people who worked on this showed the best of the intelligence community and the CIA,” Brennan said. “So again, I am clueless about what it is exactly that they may be investigating me for.”
He added that the Justice Department has not contacted him. “I don’t know whether there’s any truth to these claims,” Brennan said. “If there is an investigation, then people will be questioned, including me. But so far, I have had no contact from them.”
John Ratcliffe declassified a review on the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), triggering the investigation into John Brennan. The ICA claimed Russia tried to influence the 2016 election to help Donald Trump. However, the review found that officials rushed the ICA and overlooked key procedures. It also showed that they broke intelligence standards during its creation.
The review further criticized the inclusion of the Steele dossier in the ICA. This dossier has since been widely discredited. The report said including it “ran counter to fundamental tradecraft principles” and hurt the credibility of the intelligence judgment.
Documents released during this review showed Brennan pushed for the dossier’s inclusion in the ICA. However, Brennan testified before the House Judiciary Committee in May 2023 that he did not believe the dossier belonged in that intelligence product.
The investigation into John Brennan continues, but officials have not confirmed any charges or formal inquiries. Brennan says he remains confident in his past actions and is ready to answer any questions.
The unfolding situation underscores ongoing tensions around the 2017 Russia probe and its handling by intelligence officials. For now, Brennan’s role remains under scrutiny amid these revelations.
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