FBI Interviews CIA Officers in Expanding Russia Probe
The FBI has reportedly begun interviewing several current and former CIA officials as part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation linked to the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
According to people familiar with the matter, investigators are examining how the intelligence assessment was prepared and whether former CIA Director John Brennan made misleading statements during congressional testimony related to the report and the controversial Steele dossier.
The probe is being handled by federal prosecutors connected to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Florida and has intensified in recent weeks as officials revisit decisions made during the intelligence review conducted after the 2016 election.
Focus on Brennan’s Role in Intelligence Assessment
The investigation centers on the Intelligence Community Assessment released in January 2017, which concluded that Russia interfered in the election with the goal of helping Donald Trump’s campaign.
Sources said FBI agents are questioning intelligence personnel about Brennan’s involvement in shaping the report and whether political influence affected intelligence findings. Around a dozen officials are believed to have been contacted during the inquiry.
Investigators are also revisiting disputes over the inclusion of information from the Steele dossier — a collection of unverified allegations tied to Trump and Russia. Former intelligence officials have previously stated that the dossier was not used to support the report’s main conclusions, though parts of it were included in a classified annex after discussions between agencies.
Grand Jury Activity and Prosecutor Changes Raise Attention
Recent developments in the investigation include witness subpoenas connected to a Washington grand jury examining Brennan’s congressional testimony. Multiple reports indicate that several former intelligence and FBI officials have been asked to cooperate with federal investigators.
The inquiry has also seen internal changes, including the removal of a lead federal prosecutor previously assigned to the case. Legal observers say the move could signal a shift in strategy as investigators decide whether criminal charges are possible.
Brennan has repeatedly defended his actions and denied wrongdoing, saying intelligence agencies followed proper procedures during the Russia investigation. Several past government reviews also supported the conclusion that Russia interfered in the election.
Political Fallout Continues Around Russia Investigation
The renewed focus on the Russia investigation comes as political debate over the origins of the Trump-Russia inquiry continues to divide Washington.
Supporters of former President Donald Trump have long argued that intelligence agencies unfairly targeted his campaign, while critics say multiple investigations already confirmed Russian interference efforts.
The FBI and Justice Department have not publicly commented in detail on the latest interviews or potential future charges.
