The Department of Justice released previously-classified documents Saturday relating to the FBI wiretapping of former Trump-campaign aide Carter Page, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court application for surveillance. Though heavily redacted, the 412 page document makes it clear that prior to applying for the FISA warrant, the FBI considered Page to be an "agent of a foreign power" based on information gathered and funded by the Democratic National Committee.
Here's what we know:
First, Russian intelligence agents infiltrated U.S. via political activists and social media to cause political chaos. But don't take our word for it, read the 37 page indictment for yourself here.
Second, Russian intelligence agents hacked the DNC and John Podesta, then released the information through websites such as Wikileaks in order to meddle with our election. However, the ultimate goal was not to elect a specific candidate, but to create social and political chaos. Again, no need to take anyone's word for it when you have access to the entire 29 page indictment here.
Thirdly, Christopher Steele, who compiled the 17 memos of the now-infamous "Steele dossier," was hired by Fusion GPS to gather "opposition research" that might be damaging to then-candidate Trump. We also know that the Steele dossier was paid for by the DNC and the Clinton campaign. Read the Republican memo here, and the Democrats' rebuttal here.
What we don't know:
According to Republicans, the newly released document shows that the FBI and DOJ relied on the Steele dossier (which was paid for by the DNC and the Clinton campaign) for their decision to surveil Page. At the same time, Democrats say the document is proof of criminal connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.
"The Steele dossier was the primary source for the FISA warrant, and the people that commissioned it were purposely concealing that from the court. The FBI and the DOJ look horrible here," said Glenn Beck on the show today. He added, "Something has to be done about this FISA court; it's out of control and a sham of a system … how many Americans are being surveilled right now on trumped-up charges like those on Carter Page? It's unconstitutional."
Watch the clip below to hear Glenn Beck break down the 412 page document, or read it for yourself here.
How is this allowed to happen in a system with checks and balances?
The Department of Justice released previously-classified documents Saturday relating to the FBI wiretapping of former Trump-campaign aide Carter Page, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court application for surveillance.