Trump: FBI leadership has ‘politicized’ investigations to favor Democrats

by Brooke Seipel - 02/02/18 7:22 AM ET

President Trump early Friday morning lashed out at Department of Justice (DOJ) leaders, as top officials continue to advise the president not to release a confidential memo accusing the DOJ and FBI of abusing their power.

“The top Leadership and Investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans – something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Rank & File are great people!” Trump tweeted early Friday.

The top Leadership and Investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans – something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Rank & File are great people!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2018

Trump has frequently clashed with the FBI as the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election continues.

However, his Friday morning tweet strikes a new tone by emphasizing that his frustrations are only with top officials at the DOJ and FBI, not “rank and file” employees. {mosads}

The comment echoes Sean Hannity’s own word choice late Thursday night. While calling for the release of the memo, Hannity repeatedly criticized the FBI and DOJ, but added: “not rank and file, we love you guys.”

The controversial memo, compiled by GOP staff for House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), alleges surveillance abuses by the DOJ. Debate over the memo’s release has caused a firestorm in Washington, D.C. as many argue whether its publication would pose national security concerns.

Trump is expected to announce the release of the memo on Friday.

An official said Thursday that Trump would tell Congress “probably tomorrow” of his decision. The official said the president did not have any national security objections to releasing the memo and likely wouldn’t request to redact any material.