DOJ, FBI, and IRS Stymied Key Probes During President Trump's First Term

During President Trump's first administration, federal agencies including the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and IRS delayed, declined, or outright halted investigations into potential crimes by prominent figures such as former FBI Director James Comey, Hillary Clinton and her foundation, Sen. Adam Schiff, Hunter Biden, and others. Recent declassifications shed light on these lapses, revealing how political sensitivities may have influenced outcomes. With Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel now leading, early actions like the raid on John Bolton's properties suggest a renewed push for accountability. Yesterday, Just The News published this very comprehensive article detailing all the investigations that were shelved. Below we hit the highlights.

James Comey Authorized Leak of Classified Information Without Charges

Declassified FBI memos indicate Comey approved leaking classified details to The New York Times in October 2016, just before the election. Evidence shows former FBI General Counsel James Baker disclosed U.S. government classified information, believing he was authorized by Comey through Chief of Staff James Rybicki. "The USPIS Investigation also revealed Baker disclosed USG classified information to the NYT under the belief he was ultimately instructed and authorized to do so by then FBI Director James Comey," a summary memo states. The probe, involving U.S. Postal Inspection Service and then-U.S. Attorney John Durham, concluded by late 2018 with recommendations against prosecution, and the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office declined charges in February 2020. As reported by Just The News, this undercuts Comey's congressional testimony denying such leaks.

Comey's Associate Dan Richman Avoided Charges Despite Admissions

Comey used Columbia University law professor Daniel Richman as a conduit to leak information to Times reporter Michael Schmidt, aiming to correct critical stories and shape coverage. Richman admitted to FBI agents he routinely communicated on Comey's behalf but denied leaking classified intel "with a discount," meaning he couldn't be fully certain. The FBI's 2021 conclusion found insufficient evidence to charge anyone, including Comey or Richman, for transmitting classified information or false statements.

Comey's "Comey Memos" Leak Went Unprosecuted

DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz's August 2019 report faulted Comey for leaking memos about President Trump's comments on Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn to prompt a special counsel appointment. "We have previously faulted Comey for acting unilaterally and inconsistent with Department policy," Horowitz wrote, criticizing the unauthorized disclosure. Comey admitted the leak aimed to force investigative actions, succeeding when Robert Mueller was appointed the next day after a Times article. Despite a criminal referral, the DOJ declined prosecution.

Adam Schiff Escaped Charges for Alleged Classified Leaks

A Democratic whistleblower from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence informed the FBI in 2017 that Schiff approved leaking classified information to damage President Trump. The staffer described attending a meeting where Schiff directed leaks of derogatory info to indict President Trump, calling it "unethical," "illegal," and "treasonous." "In this meeting, SCHIFF stated the group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States DONALD J. TRUMP," the FBI notes state. The probe stalled due to speech and debate clause invocations, and no charges were filed. Schiff denied the claims as false.

Widespread Failures in Leak Investigations

The FBI initiated over half a dozen probes into Russiagate-related media leaks—Arctic Haze, Genetic Christmas, Sirens Lure, Foggy Falls, Riding Hood, Echos Fate, and Tropic Vortex—but none resulted in accountability. Challenges included large suspect pools, uncooperative DOJ partners, delayed starts, and congressional privileges. These failures allowed misleading narratives to persist without consequences.

IRS Criminal Probe into Clinton Foundation Abruptly Halted

In 2019, the IRS launched a criminal tax probe into the Clinton Foundation based on whistleblower evidence of fraud, but it suddenly stopped in spring 2019. Whistleblowers John Moynihan and Larry Doyle provided data suggesting the enterprise was fraudulent, but IRS agents cut off contact, stating, "Can’t talk about the CF." Officials claimed the IRS lacked capacity for such oversight. All activity ceased by July 2019 despite initial interest. The foundation denies wrongdoing.

Uranium One Saga Lacked Thorough Investigation

Allegations of corruption in the Uranium One sale to Russian interests, linked to Clinton Foundation donations, were reviewed by U.S. Attorney John Huber in 2017 but wound down without action by 2020. Donations totaling $2.35 million from Uranium One's chairman went undisclosed, and Bill Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech. Huber's probe, not elevated to special counsel, was partially absorbed by Durham but excluded from his scope. Just The News notes broken promises in the deal.

John Durham's Probe Yielded Few Convictions

Special Counsel John Durham, appointed by AG William Barr, secured only one conviction: FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith for falsifying a FISA document. Clinesmith, biased against President Trump, received probation. Durham's report endorsed the flawed 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment despite issues like Steele Dossier reliance. No broader prosecutions against intelligence or FBI officials occurred.

Hunter Biden Case Slow-Walked from the Start

IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler revealed the Hunter Biden tax probe was delayed during President Trump's first term, with DOJ officials dragging feet after Joe Biden became the presumptive nominee in April 2020. "After former Vice President Joseph Biden became the presumptive Democratic nominee for President in early April 2020, career DOJ officials dragged their feet on the IRS taking these investigative steps," Shapley testified. Actions like search warrants and interviews were deferred, citing election rules. Delays persisted into the Biden administration, leading to a pardon in 2024.

These past oversights highlight the need for impartial justice, now pursued under the current leadership to ensure equal application of the law.

You can read the much more in depth article from Just The News here: DOJ during Trump's first term stymied, squashed probes on Comey, Clinton, Schiff and Hunter Biden