Bondi Defends Criticism of comey, graham Echoes Concerns Over FBI‘s Russia Probe During 2020 Senate Hearing
Former Florida attorney General Pam Bondi defended her scrutiny of former FBI Director James Comey, stating she wouldn’t discuss pending cases due to accusations that Comey was “one of the most liberal investigators in the country” within the Eastern District of Virginia. Bondi made the comments while responding to questions about career prosecutors finding insufficient evidence for accusations against Comey.
The exchange occurred during a 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing presided over by Senator Lindsey Graham,who has long voiced concerns about Comey’s leadership and the FBI’s investigation into alleged links between the Trump campaign and Russia. The hearing revisited contentious issues from the probe, highlighting lingering disagreements over the handling of intelligence and evidence.
Graham specifically questioned Comey’s testimony regarding his knowledge of an alleged intelligence report detailing a “clinton Plan” to connect Trump to Russia during the 2016 election. Comey’s response was part of the Department of Justice’s presentation, but the investigating jury ultimately rejected the accusation.
Beyond the specific report, Graham broadly criticized Comey’s management of the FBI’s “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation into Russian interference, a line of inquiry he has consistently challenged. “why are we looking at Comey? Come on, don’t make me laugh,” Graham stated, adding, “Because he directed the FBI and personally knew of exculpatory details and let it pass.”
