The FBI investigated whether President Donald Trump acted on behalf of Russia when he fired then-FBI Director James Comey in 2017, according to declassified documents released by the White House on August 5, 2026. This investigation, known as "Oxferd Comma," was part of the broader Crossfire Hurricane inquiry into potential ties between Trump's 2016 campaign and the Russian government.
John Solomon, founder and editor-in-chief of Just the News, briefed the public on the documents and their release. The White House Government Transparency Task Force released the documents after they were declassified by Trump and White House counsel David Warrington. The task force also provided previously disclosed evidence that contradicted the basis for the investigation.
The documents indicate that the inquiry was opened following Trump's May 2017 decision to remove Comey. FBI agents viewed the investigation as a necessary response to a serious national security concern. The case was classified as sensitive, limiting its visibility within the bureau, and was later incorporated into special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
Solomon stated that the records show the FBI investigated Trump under the theory that he was acting as a Russian agent when he dismissed Comey. He claimed that the FBI had significant information contradicting this theory at the time the investigation was initiated. The declassified documents also revealed a text message from then-FBI official Peter Strzok indicating doubts about the investigation's validity.
The release of these documents has renewed scrutiny of former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who criticized Comey’s handling of the Clinton email investigation prior to Trump’s dismissal of him. Mueller’s investigation ultimately did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired with the Russian government, although it documented contacts between campaign associates and individuals linked to Russia.
The investigation known as Oxferd Comma was closed without producing charges or substantiating the theory that Trump acted as a Russian asset in firing Comey. Trump has consistently accused the FBI and intelligence agencies of improperly targeting his campaign and presidency. The release of these documents may also impact an ongoing investigation in South Florida involving former officials, including ex-CIA Director John Brennan and Comey.