KEY POINTS DOJ IG report finds no anti-Trump bias in the FBI's operations

Two FBI agents expressed strong support for Trump and dislike for Clinton

Two former FBI agents revealed to hold anti-Trump bias cleared of influencing FBI operations

Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz’ Monday report effectively cleared the FBI of anti-Trump bias in their decision to surveil members of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign team. One surprising point in the bulky 476-page report has largely gone unnoticed: A pair of FBI agents involved in these operations demonstrated a clear pro-Trump bias.

Two unnamed FBI agents working on these operations were discovered to have sent instant messages on Nov. 9, 2016, discussing Trump and their satisfaction with his election victory. Identified only as “Handling Agent” and “Co-Case Handling Agent,” a transcript of this conversation was included in Horowitz’ report:

Handling Agent: “Trump!”

Co-Case Handling Agent: “Hahaha. S--- just got real.”

Handling Agent: “Yes it did.”

Co-Case Handling Agent: “I saw a lot of scared MFers on ... [my way to work] this morning. Start looking for new jobs fellas. Haha.”

Handling Agent: “LOL”

The report also states that the Handling Agent expressed an interest in investigating Hillary Clinton: “If you hear talk of a special prosecutor … I will volunteer to work [on] the Clinton Foundation.”

The Handling Agent also said that he was “elated” over Clinton’s loss, because he “fully expected Hillary Clinton to walk away with the election. But as the returns [came] in … it was just energizing to me to see … [because] I didn't want a criminal to be in the White House.” He also compared Trump’s win to “watching a Superbowl comeback.”

It is unclear whether these conversations were known to their superiors in the FBI at the time and, if so, whether they faced any form of reprimand.

This discovery is especially interesting to note due to the scandal surrounding FBI lawyer Lisa Page and agent Peter Stzrok who both participated in FBI special council Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference. When it came to light that both had exchanged messages expressing their mutual dislike for Trump, they were dismissed from the investigation. Trump’s supporters and Trump himself were quick to condemn Page and Stzrok and pointed to their conversations as evidence that the FBI were motivated by an anti-Trump bias.

The DOJ IG report released Monday cleared both Page and Stzrok of wrongdoing in their roles in the FBI’s investigations.

Photo: AFP / Nicholas Kamm