FBI eyes claims of Comey-era ‘honeypot’ operation against Trump

The FBI is reportedly launching an investigation into allegations that the agency, under the leadership of former Director James Comey, conducted a “honeypot” operation to infiltrate the 2016 Trump campaign with two female agents. The operation, which was revealed by a whistleblower in a disclosure to the House Judiciary Committee last year, involved the agents posing as romantic interests to gather information.

According to a report by The Washington Times, the whistleblower, who is said to be an FBI employee, disclosed that Comey had ordered a probe into then-presidential candidate Donald Trump shortly after he announced his candidacy. The whistleblower claimed that two female agents were inserted into the Trump campaign at high levels and were directed to act as honeypots while traveling with Trump and his staff.

The investigation was allegedly shut down after a media outlet obtained a photograph of one of the agents and was preparing to publish it. The whistleblower also claimed that employees involved in the operation were instructed not to discuss it with anyone. The FBI, now led by Director Kash Patel, is reportedly searching for these employees.

Director Patel, who was sworn in last week, has vowed to restore trust in the FBI and end the politicization of the agency. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust in law enforcement and ensuring that the FBI operates impartially. Patel previously served as the chief investigator for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The alleged honeypot operation is separate from the FBI’s 2016 investigation known as “Crossfire Hurricane,” which looked into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Following Comey’s dismissal in 2017, special counsel Robert Mueller took over the probe, which ultimately found no evidence of criminal conspiracy or coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

As the FBI delves into these allegations, Director Patel is committed to upholding the bureau’s integrity and rebuilding public confidence in its operations. The investigation into the honeypot operation underscores the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies.