Pelosi Statement on Trump Administration’s Interference in FBI’s Russia Investigation
Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on reports that White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus pressured senior FBI officials over an ongoing investigation into communications between senior Trump officials and Russian intelligence agents:
"The Trump White House has been caught trying to pressure the FBI into undermining a vital national security investigation into the explosive ties between senior Trump officials and Russian intelligence agents, an action which is in violation of Department of Justice rules and which may also be illegal.
"Political interference in the integrity of an FBI investigation into the conduct of White House officials is a grave abuse of power. The rule of law depends on the FBI's complete independence, free from political pressure from the targets of its investigations.
"White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus has committed an outrageous breach of the FBI's independence. Priebus has not only damaged his reputation but tainted the impartiality of the FBI. The Department of Justice's Inspector General must open a new investigation into any and all conversations Priebus and other White House officials held with the FBI on ongoing investigations. Congress must also launch an independent, bipartisan commission to ensure the American people get the facts free from the Trump Administration's meddling. The American people deserve to know the truth."
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