The FBI initiated an inquiry to determine if there was a connection between Donald Trump and Russia when he dismissed FBI Director James Comey, as per recently declassified documents. The investigation, dubbed “Oxferd Comma,” was part of Crossfire Hurricane, the FBI’s examination into potential collaboration between Trump’s 2016 campaign and the Kremlin to secure his presidency.
An official from the administration stated that the theory of Trump being an asset was unsupported by evidence. The investigation concluded on April 9, 2019, without any charges against Trump. Trump has consistently criticized the investigation into his campaign and Russia, labeling it a hoax and a witch hunt.
Following Trump’s firing of Comey in May 2017, the FBI grew suspicious that Trump might be obstructing justice, leading to the appointment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate the President. Trump cited Comey’s handling of Hillary Clinton’s email scandal as the reason for his dismissal that year.
However, some FBI officials suspected that Trump might have dismissed Comey under Russian influence. A declassified memo from the FBI justified the investigation, stating that it was necessary to address the alleged serious national security risk associated with Trump’s activities in the least intrusive manner.
John Solomon, currently involved in a task force on election integrity within the Trump administration, announced the release of the files before questioning whether the opening of Oxferd Comma could be considered an overt act in a criminal conspiracy to violate Trump’s civil liberties.