UK and FBI agents dismissed Trump-Russia investigation from the start, according to Durham Report.

FBI and UK Intelligence Clash Over Trump Campaign Probe

When FBI higher-ups launched an investigation into Trump campaign aides for supposed collusion with Russia in 2016, several FBI agents and United Kingdom intelligence officers were left dumbfounded. UK intelligence officers pointed out that the reason for opening the probe was flimsy, and later saw its continuation as fruitless. Ultimately, UK intelligence refused FBI requests for assistance, according to the recently issued final report by Special Counsel John Durham.

Thin Justification

The probe’s justification, according to its July 31, 2016, opening document, was that the FBI learned from the Australian government that two of its diplomats had talked to Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos, who “suggested” that the campaign received “some kind of suggestion” that Russia could help it by anonymously releasing some information that would be damaging to Donald Trump’s opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Durham noted that the bureau failed to examine in any way the credibility of this information prior to launching the sprawling probe that ensnared Trump and his aides for years to come.

UK Intelligence Skepticism

When the ALAT briefed UK intelligence on the information, “they expressed real skepticism about the motivations and reliability of Papadopoulos” and “did not assess the information … to be particularly valuable intelligence,” the Durham report says. One UK intel official “was openly skeptical” and told the ALAT that “the FBI’s plan for an operation made no sense,” the report says. The official asked why the FBI didn’t simply go ask Papadopoulos; the ALAT agreed with that sentiment, according to the report.

Final Thoughts

The report describes candid conversations between FBI agents involved in the investigation as well as the UK agents kept abreast on it. It’s clear that the UK intelligence officers were not convinced by the FBI’s justification for the probe and were skeptical of the motivations and reliability of Papadopoulos. The FBI’s failure to examine the credibility of the information prior to launching the probe is a major concern. It’s important that intelligence agencies work together, but it’s equally important that they are transparent and honest with each other.

• Key Takeaways:
• UK intelligence officers were skeptical of the FBI’s justification for the probe
• The FBI failed to examine the credibility of the information prior to launching the probe
• Intelligence agencies must work together transparently and honestly