FBI probes decade-old 'honeypot' scheme targeting Trump campaign
Former FBI Director James Comey faces scrutiny over his alleged involvement in deploying undercover female agents to infiltrate Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
According to The Washington Times, FBI leadership under Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino has launched an investigation into a decade-old covert operation that allegedly used two female operatives as "honeypots" to gather intelligence on Trump's campaign.
The revelation stems from a whistleblower's protected disclosure to the House Judiciary Committee last year, detailing an unauthorized investigation initiated by Comey in 2015. This operation preceded and operated separately from the well-known Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which examined potential Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.
Whistleblower Exposes Off-Books Investigation Details
The covert operation began shortly after Trump announced his presidential bid on June 16, 2015. According to the whistleblower's account, Comey personally directed the investigation without creating official documentation in FBI systems.
The operation's unofficial nature raised concerns about proper oversight and procedural compliance within the bureau.
The investigation appeared to lack specific criminal targets, instead functioning as a broad search for potentially incriminating information about Trump. This approach departed from standard FBI investigative protocols, which typically require clear predication for opening cases.
Documents reviewed by The Washington Times indicate that the operation was deliberately concealed from Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz during his investigation into FBI misconduct related to the Trump campaign probe. This concealment suggests potential attempts to avoid scrutiny of the bureau's actions.
Female Operatives Strategic Placement Raises Questions
The whistleblower's disclosure revealed that two female FBI employees secured high-level positions within Trump's campaign organization. These operatives, operating under deep cover, traveled extensively with Trump and his campaign staff while gathering intelligence.
The operation faced an unexpected termination when a major newspaper obtained a photograph of one of the undercover agents. To prevent the photograph's publication, FBI officials reportedly misled the newspaper by claiming the woman was an informant whose life would be endangered by exposure.
Strategic reassignments followed the operation's conclusion, with one operative transferring to the CIA to avoid potential witness testimony. The other agent received a promotion and currently holds an executive position in a major FBI field office.
Internal Threats and Cover-up Allegations Surface
The whistleblower reported witnessing FBI personnel receiving explicit instructions never to discuss the operation, even with others involved in Trump campaign investigations. According to the disclosure, these directives were interpreted as veiled threats to ensure silence.
Internal communications obtained through the investigation suggest a systematic effort to maintain secrecy around the operation. Senior FBI officials implemented strict information compartmentalization to prevent details from reaching unauthorized personnel.
The current FBI leadership's investigation faces challenges in locating and interviewing the former undercover employees, as some have moved to different agencies or advanced to higher positions within the bureau.
Current Investigation Moving Forward
Under the direction of Patel and Bongino, FBI investigators are actively working to piece together the operation's scope and participants. The bureau has maintained official silence on the matter, declining to comment on the ongoing investigation.
From the whistleblower's statement, Comey's role in directing the investigation appears particularly significant. As stated in the disclosure:
The case had no predicated foundation, so Comey personally directed the investigation without creating an official case file in Sentinel or any other FBI system. The FBI has multiple methods of protecting highly sensitive investigations, so Comey did not have a legitimate reason not to officially create an official investigation file or have a file number.
Investigation Aftermath Unfolds
FBI leadership under Patel and Bongino has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a controversial chapter of the bureau's history. The probe centers on James Comey's alleged authorization of an unofficial operation using female undercover agents to infiltrate Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
This investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the honeypot operation, identify all involved personnel, and determine whether proper protocols were followed.
The bureau's findings could have significant implications for both former FBI leadership and current institutional practices regarding unauthorized investigations.