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Former CIA director John Brennan, who is now under scrutiny for his involvement in the 2016 Russia probe, became a notable figure in promoting the narrative surrounding Russiagate and other anti-Trump theories as a contributor for MSNBC. His extensive media presence marked a significant chapter in the political landscape of the last decade.
According to sources within the Justice Department, current CIA Director John Ratcliffe has referred potential evidence of misconduct from Brennan, along with former FBI Director James Comey, to FBI Director Kash Patel for possible prosecution. This move centers on Brennan’s management of the investigation into alleged collusion between Donald Trump’s campaign and Russia during the 2016 election cycle.
Background on Brennan’s CIA Tenure
Brennan, appointed by President Obama, served as CIA director from March 2013 until Trump assumed the presidency in 2017. His final year was particularly eventful, as he played a crucial role in initiating the “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation that probed potential connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.
In March 2018, he formally joined MSNBC and NBC News as a paid contributor, amplifying his anti-Trump messaging in various media appearances. Brennans’s op-eds, including one published in August 2018 by the New York Times, closely reflected his television rhetoric. In that piece, he argued that the possibility of a criminal conspiracy was very real.
A Bold Assertion
Brennan claimed, “The only questions that remain are whether the collusion that took place constituted criminally liable conspiracy, whether obstruction of justice occurred, and how many members of ‘Trump Incorporated’ attempted to defraud the government.” This assertion fueled ongoing discussions about the legitimacy of the investigations.
Special Counsel’s Findings
The probe, ultimately headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, concluded in March 2019 that there was insufficient evidence of any criminal conspiracy between Trump’s campaign and Russian operatives. Despite this, Brennan continued to suggest that more evidence of collusion existed.
In a television appearance following the Mueller report’s release, he noted, “I don’t know if I received bad information, but I suspected there was more [evidence of collusion] than there actually was.”
The Clinton Connection
Brennan’s notes indicate that he briefed Obama and other national security officials about alleged information linking Hillary Clinton to a proposal aimed at disparaging Trump by stirring a scandal involving Russian interference. He subsequently informed Comey about this meeting yet claimed he did not present the intelligence regarding what Special Counsel John Durham later termed the “Clinton Plan” to the FBI director.
In a series of meetings with top officials, including then-Vice President Biden and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, he shared details about the Clinton connection and other intelligence related to Russian interference.
Public Position During the Mueller Investigation
Even after acknowledging Cliton’s alleged scheme, Brennan continued to support the validity of Russiagate as the Mueller investigation progressed. His statements often suggested that Trump’s claims about the investigation were baseless.
In March 2018, following Trump’s accusations that the Obama administration had initiated an unfounded investigation into his campaign, Brennan labeled Trump’s social media comments as evidence of paranoia and misrepresentation.
Accusations of Treason
Brennan’s use of strong language, such as accusing Trump of treason, significantly influenced media discussions. His past role as the CIA director provided a credible backdrop for such assertions, leading commentators like former CNN host Chris Cuomo to echo his claims, emphasizing their roots in the intelligence community.
Recent Developments and Credibility Issues
Although many presumed the lack of evidence for collusion would overshadow Brennan’s commentary, he has remained a familiar face on MSNBC. However, his credibility has come under fire on multiple occasions.
For instance, in October 2020, Brennan signed a letter with 50 other former intelligence officials asserting that Hunter Biden’s laptop bore signs of a Russian disinformation campaign. This assertion was swiftly utilized by mainstream media to delegitimize the laptop’s contents. Subsequent verification revealed the laptop’s authenticity, highlighting yet another instance where Brennan’s claims faltered.
Intelligence Community Assessment Review
Recent inquiries led by Ratcliffe have re-evaluated the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment. This assessment claimed that Russia aimed to assist Trump’s campaign during the 2016 election. However, a declassified review found flaws in its creation process, marking it as rushed and inconsistent with standard intelligence practices.
The review also highlighted that the inclusion of the Steele dossier undermined the credibility of the assessment, a document now widely discredited. Despite prior testimony asserting he did not support the dossier’s inclusion, new records suggest otherwise.
Addressing the Fallout
In response to the unfolding investigation, Brennan appeared on MSNBC’s “Deadline: White House” to downplay the implications. He expressed disbelief at how individuals were willing to damage their reputations by supporting Trump’s narratives, framing much of the investigation as politically motivated.
Brennan’s ongoing participation in media discussions reveals the complexity of his position as both a former intelligence leader and a public commentator on contemporary political issues. As investigations continue, the fallout from Russiagate remains a potent topic in American political discourse, with Brennan at its center.
