The nation’s secretive spy court has given the thumbs up to a Justice Department request to take another look at information linked to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants that targeted Carter Page, a former Trump campaign associate. FBI Director Kash Patel is keen on handing over more evidence related to the Russiagate scandal to Congress. This move comes after President Donald Trump pushed Patel to declassify a bunch of documents tied to the deeply flawed Trump-Russia investigation, known as “Crossfire Hurricane,” earlier this year.
The Justice Department’s filings with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court reveal that the FBI is eager to share additional information about the Crossfire Hurricane scandal. This follows information requests from the Republican-led House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Last month, the DOJ informed the FISA court that it needed to go over a collection of documents tied to the FISA warrant against Carter Page, and on June 17, the spy court agreed to this request.
The DOJ filed its request with the FISA court on June 6, and the filing became public on the court’s docket the next Monday. Kevin J. O’Connor, who heads the oversight section for DOJ’s National Security Division, informed the court that “the government … seeks an order permitting the use or disclosure of information acquired from one or more of the four Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications targeting Carter W. Page.” The U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court plays a crucial role in reviewing government applications for foreign intelligence operations within the United States, as established in 1978.
The FBI and DOJ have received requests from Congress for materials related to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and the DOJ Office of Inspector General’s review. The DOJ filing mentioned that the documents in question likely contain information related to the Page FISA warrant. The department is seeking the green light for the FBI and DOJ to disclose these materials internally to identify and redact sensitive information, preventing unauthorized disclosure.
Republican-led Senate and House Judiciary Committees have been active in seeking more information about the Russiagate scandal. In March, the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Patel asking for transcripts from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s investigation. Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee also reached out to Patel for information tied to Russiagate and special counsel John Durham’s inquiry.
In the background, Just the News reported that CIA Director John Ratcliffe sent a criminal referral to Patel related to potential illegal acts by former CIA chief John Brennan. Brennan, now an NBC Senior News Analyst, was scrutinized for his actions during the Russiagate scandal. This referral adds another layer to the ongoing investigation into the misuse of intelligence operations during the Trump administration.
The DOJ told the FISA court that prior reviews of OIG transcripts suggest the material requested by the Senate Judiciary Committee includes Page FISA information. They also noted that the House Judiciary Committee requested documents likely containing such information. The DOJ emphasized that they are not seeking to disclose Page FISA information to Congress but want to review materials to redact sensitive parts.
The DOJ has set up a task force of about 25 people, in coordination with the Office of General Counsel, to review and redact materials requested by Congress. The executive branch aims to provide responsive information that is not legally protected. The DOJ lawyer mentioned that the requested materials would help guide future hearings and determine if additional FISA reforms are needed.
Marc Elias, a former Perkins Coie lawyer, played a significant role in funding and spreading the discredited Steele dossier. This dossier was pivotal in obtaining FISA warrants against Carter Page. The Elias Law Group is known for filing lawsuits to assist Democrats and hinder Trump’s policies, receiving substantial funding from Democratic entities.
Judge Anthony Trenga, the presiding judge on the FISA court, found the DOJ’s argument convincing regarding the pending requests from the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Trenga, appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts, has been serving on the FISA court since May 2020. He previously served as a judge in Virginia following a nomination by President George W. Bush.
Judge Trenga remarked that the laws surrounding the FISA Court reasonably allow disclosures of Page FISA information among DOJ personnel to prepare redacted copies of requested records. He emphasized the importance of FISA oversight roles of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Trenga ordered that Page FISA information can be used and disclosed by relevant DOJ personnel as necessary.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.