The FBI Agents Association on Friday released a statement saying the agency's rank-and-file would not "allow partisan politics to distract us” after the release of a previously classified GOP memo alleging abuse of government surveillance powers by the Justice Department.

“The men and women of the FBI put their lives on the line every day in the fight against terrorists and criminals because of their dedication to our country and the Constitution,” group president Thomas O’Connor said in the statement. “The American people should know that they continue to be well-served by the world’s preeminent law enforcement agency.”

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“FBI Special Agents have not, and will not, allow partisan politics to distract us from our solemn commitment to our mission,” he said.





The statement follows the release of a memo, written for House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes Devin Gerald NunesSunday shows preview: With less than two months to go, race for the White House heats up Sunday shows preview: Republicans gear up for national convention, USPS debate continues in Washington Sunday shows preview: White House, congressional Democrats unable to breach stalemate over coronavirus relief MORE (R-Calif.) by his staff, which accuses senior Justice Department officials of improperly using information from the so-called Steele dossier to obtain surveillance warrants on a member of the Trump transition team.

The full memo can be read here.

President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE announced Friday he approved the release of the memo, calling its revelations disgraceful.

“I think it’s a disgrace,” Trump said. "A lot of people should be ashamed of themselves."

The White House made no redactions to the document, despite reported requests from law enforcement officials.

Trump approved the release of the controversial document despite objections from top officials at the FBI and Justice Department, who said the memo contained misleading, incomplete and erroneous information.

On Wednesday, the FBI issued a rare public statement warning against the expected release of the memo, saying it has “grave concerns” about its contents.

The FBI Agents Association on Thursday release a statement of support for FBI Director Christopher Wray after Wray reportedly warned the White House against releasing the document.