Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released newly declassified documents Monday that raise fresh concerns about the FBI’s handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation—revealing what Grassley calls an “extreme lack of effort and due diligence” under then-Director James Comey.
The documents, obtained from the “Clinton annex” of the Department of Justice Inspector General’s 2018 report, include evidence that the FBI failed to fully examine thumb drives containing highly sensitive material—including information tied to President Barack Obama, the State Department, and possibly Congress.
“The Comey FBI’s negligent approach—and perhaps intentional lack of effort—in the Clinton investigation is a stark contrast to its full-throated investigation of the Trump-Russia collusion hoax,” Grassley said.“Comey’s decision-making process smacks of political infection.”
Unreviewed Evidence Included Obama-Era Emails
Grassley’s release states that Comey and other senior FBI officials had possession of thumb drives tied to the Clinton probe, but failed to conduct “additional, targeted searches” of their contents.
The drives reportedly contained sensitive material exfiltrated from U.S. government agencies, including:
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Classified communications from the State Department
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Emails linked to then-President Barack Obama
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Potentially congressional information
The files were never fully reviewed, Grassley alleges, even as Clinton faced scrutiny over using a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State (2009–2013).
Suppressed Intel on Soros and DNC
The declassified materials also cite FBI intelligence suggesting that the Obama administration sought to shield Clinton’s campaign by limiting the scope of the investigation.
Specifically, the intelligence referenced communications between then-DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and individuals connected to George Soros’ Open Society Foundations.
Despite receiving these reports, the FBI allegedly “did not make serious investigative efforts,” according to Grassley’s office.
DOJ Declined to Prosecute Clinton in 2016
In July 2016, Comey publicly recommended that Clinton not be prosecuted, despite admitting:
“There is evidence of potential violations… [but] no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case.”
Critics have long questioned that conclusion, particularly given the contrasting treatment the FBI gave to President Trump in launching the now-debunked Trump-Russia collusion investigation based on the unverified Steele dossier.
Grassley Credits Bondi, Patel, and Gabbard
The declassification was made possible through the cooperation of Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, who responded to Grassley’s formal request.
“I’m grateful the American people can finally see the facts,” Grassley said.“This information is now coming to light thanks to Bondi and Patel’s commitment to transparency.”
The release follows DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s bombshell memo on Friday, which alleged a coordinated effort by Obama officials to manufacture intelligence justifying the launch of the Crossfire Hurricane probe into President Trump after his 2016 victory.
Gabbard called the effort a “treasonous conspiracy to usurp President Trump”, adding that her office is turning over all related materials to the Department of Justice for criminal referral.
“No matter how powerful, every person involved must be investigated and prosecuted,” Gabbard said.
