Compromised Summary

How do you investigate a sitting president while protecting the nation’s democratic institutions and core values? In "Compromised," Peter Strzok offers an insider’s perspective on the FBI’s fraught journey through the Russia investigation.

1. Russia's Expertise in Espionage

Russia has honed espionage as an art form, skillfully deploying "illegals" like Don Heathfield and Ann Foley to live as ordinary citizens while secretly gathering intelligence. These agents use active measures, a strategy that involves manipulating information to influence social and political landscapes, to achieve their goals.

One of the most effective tools in Russia's arsenal is kompromat, or compromising material. This could be scandalous details or confidential dealings that threaten to disgrace their targets if exposed. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, Russia compromises individuals and binds them tightly to its interests.

This approach to espionage has consequences when it intersects with global politics. Russia didn't just gather intelligence; it actively meddled in events like the 2016 U.S. election, using cyberattacks, misinformation, and coercion to achieve its aims.

Examples

• Russian spies "Don" and "Ann" concealed their identities as illegals while living normal lives in America.
• Russia's Internet Research Agency manipulated U.S. social media to spread confusion and division.
• Kompromat examples, such as bribes or sexual blackmail, were wielded to bend people to Russian interests.

2. The Benghazi Investigation Sparked a Broader Inquiry

The House Select Committee’s investigation into the Benghazi attack led to an unplanned detour when Hillary Clinton's private email use surfaced. This discovery triggered the FBI's Midyear Exam, a massive investigation with high stakes and public interest.

FBI officials needed to investigate whether sensitive information in Clinton's emails fell into unauthorized hands. This process required interviewing countless people, analyzing servers, and cross-referencing classified material with various agencies to unearth the facts.

The inquiry revealed carelessness but not intent to harm national security. Despite Clinton’s misuse of her private server, her actions didn't appear to meet the Department of Justice’s criteria for criminal conduct.

Examples

• Clinton’s reliance on a private email server raised concern during efforts to retrieve governmental and personal emails.
• Benghazi proceedings were expanded after suspiciously classified email content was flagged.
• FBI agents had to liaise with multiple government agencies for access and verifications.

3. Cyberattacks Shaped the 2016 Election

On U.S. soil, Russian hackers weren’t just spying—they were probing weaknesses. They used seemingly innocent phishing emails, like one sent to a Democratic staffer, to exploit vulnerabilities. Passwords were stolen, leading to a cascade of information breaches.

These hacks weren’t isolated incidents. Russians weaponized stolen information, distributing it through outlets like DCLeaks.com and creating fake social media accounts like @Ten_GOP to misinform and influence American voters.

Russia’s goal was twofold: disrupt the U.S. democratic process and help Donald Trump secure the presidency. Their interference succeeded in creating confusion, amplifying discord, and eroding public trust.

Examples

• A phishing email led to the theft of 50,000 emails from Clinton campaign chair John Podesta.
• Russians operated fake accounts like @Ten_GOP to sway audiences with misinformation.
• Leaked DNC emails were released to harm Clinton’s candidacy during her critical campaign moments.

4. Crossfire Hurricane Exposed Trump's Russian Connections

Crossfire Hurricane was the FBI’s code name for its investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia. When Trump adviser George Papadopoulos bragged about Russia possessing damaging material about Clinton, the FBI began to piece together connections.

The complex investigation expanded quickly. The FBI identified individuals affiliated with Trump’s campaign—Paul Manafort, Mike Flynn, Carter Page—who had concerning links to Russian operatives. Each angle demanded further investigation to assess national security risks.

The uncovered web suggested that Russia offered assistance to Trump’s campaign with promises of strategically released information, exposing deeper questions about the integrity of future U.S. elections.

Examples

• Papadopoulos indicated that Russia had damaging Clinton materials during a conversation with an Australian diplomat.
• Manafort shared polling data with a Ukrainian linked to Russian intelligence.
• Crossfire Hurricane tracked suspicious relationships between Russia and Trump campaign officials.

5. Reopening Midyear Added Fuel to the Fire

While investigating errant Clinton emails seemed settled, the discovery of related material on a laptop belonging to congressman Anthony Weiner threw the case into upheaval just before the election.

This forced the FBI to review thousands of additional emails in record time, within days of the election. Though nothing new surfaced, the very act of reopening the case influenced public perception and provided fodder for Trump’s campaign.

The decision to notify Congress of the reopened inquiry proved contentious, creating lasting political and institutional strains.

Examples

• Weiner’s laptop unexpectedly contained Clinton-related communications.
• FBI Director Comey’s public announcement drew harsh criticism from both sides.
• The decision to prioritize disclosure over discretion influenced voter trust.

6. Flynn’s Secret Call to Russia

Michael Flynn, Trump’s national security adviser, asked Russia’s ambassador not to retaliate against Obama’s newly imposed sanctions. This conversation undermined U.S. diplomacy and put Flynn in legal jeopardy.

When questioned, Flynn lied, triggering both the media and FBI investigations. These falsehoods strained relations within the new administration and made Flynn vulnerable to Russian influence.

Flynn ultimately resigned and pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, but his interaction exemplified early signs of the administration’s risky operations involving Russia.

Examples

• Flynn’s caught-on-record interaction with Kislyak caused immediate furor.
• His misleading assurances to Pence led to confusion over his loyalties.
• Flynn’s resignation emphasized damage to government transparency.

7. Trump’s Comments Sparked Suspension of Trust

Trump’s unusual reaction during briefings about kompromat allegations added wrinkles to existing suspicions. His response to these reports, such as those involving potential misconduct in Moscow, fueled the idea that Russia could manipulate him.

Instead of vehemently denying claims of compromise, Trump appeared nonchalant and dismissive, raising the stakes of Russia’s leverage over him.

These interactions suggested a troubling vulnerability in national leadership, exposing security concerns with global consequences.

Examples

• Comey briefed Trump on the Steele dossier's unverified allegations.
• Trump’s focus shifted to timeline minutiae rather than addressing reputational impacts.
• His reaction left unanswered questions about his relationship with Moscow.

8. Trump’s Actions Hindered FBI Investigations

Trump’s firing of James Comey raised immediate alarm. Claiming the dismissal stemmed from frustrations with the Russia probe, Trump’s efforts seemed aimed at impeding accountability efforts.

Later revelations showed that Trump held closed-door meetings with Russian officials, where he reduced the FBI to a mere “pressure” removed. His attack on the institution culminated in a compromise to how investigations connected to his campaign unfolded.

Trump’s dismissive approach toward election interference signaled disregard for national integrity and amplified concerns around executive overreach.

Examples

• Trump eliminated Comey mid-investigation, dismissing accountability.
• His private Oval Office discussion with Russian envoys openly acknowledged meddling doubts.
• FBI agents were restricted in progress by constant interference.

9. Twitter Became Trump's Weapon Against Investigations

Trump weaponized social media to direct public sentiment against ongoing investigations. Through incendiary tweets, he claimed political witch hunts while showcasing disdain for intelligence agencies.

This campaign eroded trust in impartial investigations, vilified agents involved—including Strzok—and emboldened widespread conspiracy theories.

When Strzok’s private texts were leaked, the narrative surrounding institutional integrity shifted further. Despite his professionalism during investigations, he became scapegoated for political blame.

Examples

• Trump frequently tweeted claims discrediting Robert Mueller’s work.
• Strzok's leaked messages fueled attacks about hidden agendas.
• Allegations of treason showcased how media influence drove divisive suspicions.

Takeaways

1. Recognize the risks kompromat and disinformation pose to institutions by fostering media literacy and skepticism.
2. Protect democracy by holding agencies, candidates, and voters to standards of evidence-based action.
3. Build transparency in public investigations to safeguard against the misuse of state power.