In 2016, the Trump campaign faced what many describe as a coordinated effort by elements within the U.S. intelligence community, often referred to as the “deep state,” to undermine its legitimacy. Central to this was the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which probed alleged ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia. Declassified documents reveal that on July 28, 2016, then-CIA Director John Brennan briefed President Obama, FBI Director James Comey, and others on a Clinton campaign advisor’s plan to falsely tie Trump to Russian interference, a narrative that fueled the Steele dossier—a now-discredited document filled with unverified claims about Trump. Despite internal CIA objections that the dossier lacked credibility, Brennan and Comey pushed its inclusion in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), which alleged Russian efforts to aid Trump. This move, critics argue, was a deliberate attempt to smear Trump and sway public opinion, with the dossier’s flaws ignored to maintain a politically charged narrative.

Recent developments in 2025 indicate that Comey and Brennan are now facing scrutiny for their actions. The FBI has launched criminal investigations into both, with Brennan specifically referred for allegedly lying to Congress about the Steele dossier’s role in the ICA. A declassified CIA review, released by current CIA Director John Ratcliffe, exposed how Brennan overruled senior analysts who warned the dossier violated intelligence standards, while Comey insisted on its inclusion as a condition of FBI participation. DOJ sources describe their interactions as a potential “conspiracy,” suggesting a broader effort to manipulate intelligence against Trump. The review also highlighted procedural anomalies in the rushed 2017 ICA, accusing Brennan and Comey of politicizing intelligence to target Trump’s campaign. These probes, while not yet resulting in charges, signal a push to hold them accountable for what some call treasonous acts against a duly elected candidate.

However, the narrative of accountability remains contentious. Brennan, speaking on MSNBC, dismissed the investigations as politically motivated, arguing the Russia probe has been “exhaustively plowed.” Comey’s team claims no contact from investigators, and the statute of limitations for 2016 crimes may limit prosecutions. Critics of the probes, including some media outlets, see them as Trump’s retribution against perceived enemies, noting that prior investigations, like Special Counsel John Durham’s, found no high-level wrongdoing despite criticizing FBI processes. Supporters, including Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, argue these investigations expose a deep state plot to subvert democracy. The truth remains murky, with political biases clouding both sides, but the ongoing FBI probes into Comey and Brennan keep the debate over 2016’s intelligence failures and alleged treason alive.