In the wake of the release of the long-awaited report by special counsel John Durham, former President Donald Trump has seized the opportunity to claim vindication and renew his criticisms of the FBI’s investigation into alleged collusion between his campaign and Russia. Speaking in a phone interview with Newsmax, Trump expressed satisfaction with the report’s findings, which he believes support his assertion of being unjustly targeted.
“It’s a great vindication, and it feels good, and the report has received a lot of praise,” Trump said, relishing his first live interview since the report’s publication. He did not hold back in his characterization of the investigation, suggesting that it bordered on treasonous behavior. “I guess you could call what these guys are doing treason,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “Nothing like this should ever happen again in our country.”
In Trump’s narrative, he places the blame squarely on his 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton, for instigating the controversial FBI investigation into his campaign. According to Trump, the origins of the investigation can be traced back to Clinton’s loss in the election. “This really began when she lost the election,” he asserted. “They didn’t know what to say… so they said, ‘Let’s blame it on Russia.'”
Trump suggested that Clinton used the Russia collusion narrative as a scapegoat for her defeat, viewing it as a disservice to the nation. “This was really her reason for losing the race,” he claimed. “She said it was Russia’s fault. And it’s sad and bad for our country.”
While Durham’s report did not find any “provable criminal offense” on Clinton’s part, it did shine a spotlight on significant flaws within the FBI’s investigation. Durham criticized the agency for rushing into the investigation without substantial grounds and disregarding evidence that contradicted its initial assumptions.
Although many of these mistakes had already been outlined in a previous Justice Department report, the release of Durham’s findings once again brings attention to one of the most consequential political investigations in FBI history—the inquiry into possible collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia to influence the 2016 election outcome.
Throughout his presidency, Trump consistently denounced the investigation as a “witch hunt” and claimed that he was unfairly targeted. In his interview, he asserted that the Durham report validated his decision to dismiss former FBI Director James Comey, referring to it as “a very smart thing to do.”
Trump contended that the current legal challenges he faces are an extension of what he considers to be baseless investigations, such as the probe into his handling of classified documents. He decried the continued scrutiny, describing those involved as “sick people” who continuously sought to undermine his presidency.
While the interview covered a range of topics, including Florida’s abortion law and the possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade, it is clear that Trump views the Durham report as a crucial vindication of his presidency. The report’s release has reinvigorated his narrative, and he sees it as an opportunity to reshape public perception and reinforce his claim of being the target of political persecution.
As Trump sets his sights on the 2024 presidential race, the implications of the Durham report and the ongoing investigations surrounding his presidency will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. For Trump, it is a chance to rally his base and assert his version of events. As for the nation, it remains to be seen how these revelations will impact public trust in democratic institutions and the pursuit of truth and accountability.