The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether senior FBI officials mishandled classified documents connected to the bureau’s 2016 Russia probe, known as Crossfire Hurricane. CBS News reported that thousands of files related to the investigation were found inside “burn bags” at FBI headquarters—containers intended for securely destroying sensitive materials. These documents reportedly pertain to inquiries about possible links between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia.
FBI Director Kash Patel recently revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the files appeared deliberately hidden, tweeting, “We just uncovered burn bags/room filled with hidden Russia Gate files.” The Crossfire Hurricane probe began during the 2016 presidential campaign and extended into Trump’s presidency. It became highly controversial, especially after Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia interfered in the election to benefit Trump but did not find evidence of criminal coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
The discovery of these hidden files has reignited political debates over the legitimacy of the original investigation. Last month, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents she claimed contradicted parts of a 2017 intelligence report on election interference. Gabbard accused Obama administration officials of participating in a “treasonous conspiracy” and pledged to forward the information to the Justice Department. However, a spokesperson for former President Obama dismissed these accusations as “bizarre” and “ridiculous.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi has authorized prosecutors to investigate whether criminal charges should be brought against former officials involved in the 2016 intelligence assessment. Reports suggest the case could be taken to a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida, a jurisdiction considered more favorable to Trump compared to Washington, D.C. The recent appointment of Judge Jason A. Reding Quiñones as U.S. Attorney in that district has fueled speculation about the case’s potential direction, as venue selection can heavily influence legal outcomes.
This inquiry represents the most forceful legal challenge yet to the conclusions of the 2017 probe and aligns with Trump’s persistent claims that the Russia investigation was a politically motivated “hoax.” As the Justice Department continues its review, the discovery of these documents has intensified efforts by Trump and his allies to revisit and reshape the narrative around the controversies of the 2016 election, underscoring that the political and legal battles remain unresolved.
