Hours after opening an investigation into Trump campaign’s ties to Russia [code name Crossfire Hurricane], the FBI sent 2 agents [one being Strzok] on a secret mission to London. The few officials in the loop would later became targets of a Trump ordered smear campaign.
#Maddow
#Maddow
The FBI agents' covert mission was to meet w/ the Australian ambassador in London re his evidence that Trump aide Papadopoulos had advance knowledge of Russian interference. In a break with protocol, Australian officials allowed the FBI interview.
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Fearful of leaks, the FBI shared Crossfire Hurricane details with only 5 DOJ officials. Had facts leaked, it could've ended Trump's campaign: His future NSA & campaign chair were under investigation. One adviser had Russian intel contacts. Another was a suspected RU spy.
#Maddow
#Maddow
Despite the FBI's overly cautious approach with "Crossfire Hurricane" in the face of damning evidence against the Trump campaign – Trump & his allies still claim he's the victim of a politicized FBI & have made a priority of trying to discredit the investigation.
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#Maddow
ICYMI: Trump pressed Sessions & FBI Director Wray to fire Peter Strzok & Lisa Page and to dig into the FBI files more aggressively for more dirt on both Strzok & Page to turn over to House GOP members working to smear them.
#Maddow
#Maddow
Trump directed senior aides last Jun to launch a smear campaign on FBI officials who Dowd warned could give damning testimony against him in the Mueller probe: McCabe, Baker, Rybicki, Strzok, Page – who were all in the loop on Crossfire Hurricane.
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#Maddow
