Des Moines Sun

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has highlighted findings from the Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. The declassified "Clinton annex" reveals that the FBI did not fully investigate Clinton's handling of classified information during her tenure as Secretary of State.

Grassley criticized former FBI Director James Comey for not conducting a thorough investigation, stating, "Under Comey’s leadership, the FBI failed to perform fundamental investigative work and left key pieces of evidence on the cutting room floor." He compared this to what he described as a more vigorous investigation into alleged Trump-Russia collusion.

The DOJ OIG report indicates that thumb drives obtained during the investigation contained sensitive information but were not adequately reviewed. Grassley expressed gratitude to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel for their efforts in making this information public.

The report also mentions intelligence reports suggesting attempts by the Obama administration to protect Clinton's candidacy. Despite these reports, no serious investigative efforts were made to verify them.

Grassley pointed out that Comey exonerated Clinton publicly before interviewing her and shortly after opened an investigation into President Trump. Grassley concluded that Comey's actions demonstrated an inability to maintain public trust in the FBI.