U.S. Justice Department Investigates FBI's Actions Before Elections

The Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice is conducting investigations into the actions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its director, James Comey, during the presidential election campaign. Comey has welcomed the investigation. With just a week left before Donald Trump's administration begins, the latest reports regarding events following the November 8 election indicate that the Justice Department's oversight group is investigating the FBI and its actions during the election. Hillary Clinton's campaign criticized the FBI for conducting 'new investigations' related to Clinton's emails during the election. Comey had mentioned these investigations just a few days before voting, and it was ultimately announced two days before the election that 'no new conclusions had been reached.' The FBI also faced criticism from Donald Trump, Clinton's Republican rival, and his campaign. For instance, Trump had stated last month that the lack of charges against Clinton regarding her email case was 'probably' due to her being under 'protection' from the FBI. According to the Associated Press, part of the Justice Department inspectors' investigations concerns Comey's press conference last July, where he stated that Clinton had 'committed no crime' while using a personal server, although she had been 'very careless.' At that time, President Barack Obama emphasized that Comey's actions were 'not intended to influence the outcome of the election.' Another part of the investigation pertains to Comey's letter to Congress written on November 7, in which he stated without providing details that new emails had been found and the controversial case regarding Clinton's emails would be reviewed again. Two days before the election, he stated that no new issues had been found and the matter was effectively closed. This incident occurred shortly before the election and faced widespread criticism from Democrats. Alongside the Democrats' criticisms, Trump repeatedly criticized how the case was handled and even stated he was seeking to prosecute Hillary Clinton, although he later emphasized he had no intention of doing so after the election. James Comey welcomed the investigation and stated in a statement that his agency would fully cooperate with the inspectors. The outcome of this investigation will not affect the election results.