FBI blocked probe into alleged Chinese 2020 election meddling to protect Wray from fallout, documents show

The FBI blocked an investigation into allegations that the Chinese Communist Party manufactured fake driver’s licenses and shipped them to the U.S. in a scheme to influence the 2020 presidential election in favor of Joe Biden, newly declassified FBI documents obtained by Fox News Digital reveal.

The FBI recalled the reporting document on September 25, 2020, just a day after FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress that the FBI had not seen any coordinated voter fraud ahead of the 2020 election. The recall was made in order to re-interview the source, and recipients were directed to destroy all copies of the original report.

However, FBI Director Kash Patel recently declassified additional documents, including records relating to the re-interview of the source and communications between FBI officials discussing the decision-making behind the recall and the decision not to republish the intelligence reporting. Assistant FBI Director Marshall Yates wrote in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley that one reason cited for not releasing the report was because it would contradict Director Wray’s testimony.

During a Senate hearing on September 24, 2020, Wray stated that the FBI had not seen any widespread voter fraud, but also acknowledged that the Chinese Communist Party was expanding its influence efforts and looking for ways to influence the election. Despite this, the FBI decided not to republish the intelligence report, citing a lack of additional substantiating information.

Grassley commented on the situation, stating that the FBI’s decision smacked of political decision-making and proved the organization to be deeply broken. He emphasized the need for intelligence to be fully investigated to determine its validity.

The internal emails among Albany staff within the FBI revealed concerns that suppressing the report would be dangerous and that it was not the role of analysts to align intelligence with public testimony. Agents expressed their disagreement with the reasoning for not releasing the report, stating that it implied a political reason for withholding information, which went against the FBI’s mission to remain apolitical.

The agent from the Albany Field Office expressed concerns that by not releasing the report, the FBI was drifting too far into being the sole decider for the intelligence community regarding the validity of information. Grassley commended Director Patel for his efforts to establish renewed transparency and accountability within the FBI.

In conclusion, the declassified FBI documents shed light on the decision-making process within the organization and raise questions about the handling of intelligence related to potential foreign interference in the 2020 election. Grassley emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in the FBI and ensuring that the organization prioritizes the interests of the American people.