• The newly declassified appendix to the 2018 Horowitz report reveals FBI missteps: thumbdrives with highly sensitive Clinton-related data were never thoroughly vetted, and Comey’s decision on email exoneration was influenced by unverified classified intel. GOP critics argue this contrasts starkly with the FBI’s zeal in the Trump-Russia probe.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — A recently declassified appendix to the Justice Department Inspector General’s 2018 report exposes grave deficiencies in the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server. Agency leaders, including then‑Director James Comey, reportedly ignored pivotal evidence and responded to unverified classified intelligence, prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers.

The appendix unveils two alarming revelations: the bureau failed to fully analyze thumbdrives containing classified material, and Comey prematurely announced the conclusion of the investigation based in part on dubious intelligence reports. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, in releasing the document, decried the FBI’s “negligent approach” compared to its vigorous Trump‑Russia probe.

Defensive Intel Influenced Key Decisions

The declassified material details that classified intelligence—reportedly of Russian origin—alleged interference by Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Comey himself in the investigation of Clinton, perhaps for political ends. Though FBI leaders deemed the intelligence not credible, Comey later testified that fear of leak-driven “active measures” shaped his decision to make public the investigation’s outcome without consulting Lynch.

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Grassley criticized:

“The Comey FBI’s negligent approach and perhaps intentional lack of effort…smacks of political infection.”

Critical Thumb Drives Left Unexamined

Perhaps more troubling, the appendix confirms that thumbdrives containing sensitive State Department data, including emails from President Obama and possibly congressional materials, were never fully inspected. Despite eye-opening contents and internal recommendations for a targeted review of national security implications, the FBI declined further examination due to purported “victim privacy” concerns.

A draft internal memorandum warned that a thorough probe was essential, yet it was never finalized, and the drives remained unvetted.

Discrepancies in Testimony

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The watchdog report reveals conflicting recollections among senior officials. Comey claimed the classified reports weighed heavily on his July 5, 2016, announcement, while then-Deputy AG Sally Yates told investigators she was unaware the reports had influenced the decision. According to the appendix:

“Yates…did not recall being shown the [REDACTED] reports…She said…she would have remembered if someone told her these reports raised concerns…”

Unequal Treatment of Investigations

The report draws attention to the perceived disparity between the investigation of Clinton’s email server and the Crossfire Hurricane probe into President Trump’s alleged Russia collusion. Grassley highlighted that the latter was pursued aggressively, despite reliance on the unverified Steele dossier, while prosecutorial discretion was loosely applied in the Clinton inquiry.

“Extreme lack of effort and due diligence…a stark contrast to its full‑throated investigation of the Trump‑Russia collusion hoax,” Grassley asserted.

Implications and Accountability

The revelations rekindle long-standing concerns about political bias within the FBI and Justice Department. The unexamined thumbdrives raise potential national security implications, while Comey’s public declaration remains controversial for breaching protocol. As Congress continues scrutiny, bipartisan calls for reforms in investigative transparency and oversight are gaining traction.

Former DOJ inspector general Horowitz’s main report had described Comey’s actions as “extraordinary and insubordinate,” noting that he “usurped the authority of the Attorney General.”

A Timeless Question of Justice

These newly uncovered documents do more than revisit history—they compel a reflection on how political pressure and classified narratives can influence seminal law enforcement decisions. Voters and lawmakers alike should ponder: will the rule of law be safeguarded against partisan sway, or does the past foreshadow continued politicization of justice?

Where do we go from here—towards renewed trust in impartial inquiry, or deeper cynicism about our institutions?

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