A report from the Justice Department’s inspector general will criticize former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe Andrew George McCabeGraham: Comey to testify about FBI's Russia probe, Mueller declined invitation Barr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' GOP votes to authorize subpoenas, depositions in Obama-era probe MORE for allowing agency officials to provide information about an ongoing investigation to the media, The New York Times reported Thursday.

McCabe reportedly authorized FBI officials to provide information to The Wall Street Journal in its investigation into how the agency handled the probe into Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Democratic super PAC to hit Trump in battleground states over coronavirus deaths Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight MORE’s use of a private email server while secretary of State.

The deputy director allowed officials to discuss a meeting detailed in an October 2016 Journal report, during which some top Department of Justice (DOJ) officials reportedly decided against authorizing a grand jury or subpoenas in the Clinton investigation.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Journal report also cited sources, including one “close to McCabe,” who said McCabe had claimed the FBI had the ability to continue with the investigation into the Clinton Foundation during a heated conversation with a senior DOJ official.

The inspector general report will conclude that McCabe had signed off on agency officials talking to the Journal for the story, and that the FBI’s public affairs office had set up a phone call to talk about the case, according to the Times.

This new report comes amid attacks by President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE on the FBI, which he has claimed is biased against him in the probe into Russia's election interference.

McCabe stepped down from the position earlier this year after facing pressure from Republicans and Trump. He is currently on leave with plans to retire in mid-March, when he is eligible to receive his full pension benefits.

GOP members tied to Trump had accused McCabe of bias in his handling of the Clinton email probe, and Trump had also openly attacked the top FBI official.

McCabe stepped down after being pressured to do so by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who had concerns about the impending inspector general report, the Times reported earlier this year.