Special Counsel John Durham Criticized By Both Parties For Ineffective Probe Into Trump’s Ties With Russia

Special Counsel John Durham testified publicly about his investigation into the FBI’s probe of Donald Trump’s ties with Russia during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Durham, who was appointed to the case by former Attorney General Bill Barr, has concluded that the FBI should have only launched a preliminary investigation into Trump’s campaign.

In his report that was released in May, Durham stated that the FBI used “raw, unanalyzed and uncorroborated intelligence” to conduct the probe. He also wrote that, while he does believe there was some bias present in the investigation, he does not recommend any new charges against FBI officials for their possible political motivation.

The two prosecutions that were brought both ended in acquittals by juries.

Durham’s judgments have sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Contrary to Trump’s narrative that the Department of Justice was unlawfully interfering with the investigation, Durham said there wasn’t any unwelcomed involvement from Attorney General Merrick Garland, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. His direct refutation of Trump’s claims has angered many GOP members.

Democrats are upset with Durham’s claims that the investigation into Russia’s involvement with Trump’s first presidential campaign was premature. However, they are holding onto Durham’s findings that there was some evidence of their allegations.

“Nothing in the Durham Report disputes the central findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Russia interfered in the 2016 election, it did so to help Donald Trump, and the Trump campaign welcomed this interference,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) at the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Durham’s investigation fell short of Republicans’ expectations, too, as their hopes were high when the conservative special counsel was appointed to conduct the probe that has been the topic of political conversation for almost eight years.

Despite the backlash, Durham has remained confident in his probe, which lasted five years and cost taxpayers millions.

“My concern about my reputation is with the people who I respect, and my family and the Lord,” said Durham in response to accusations that his conclusions were biased. “And I’m perfectly comfortable with my reputation with them.