Buzz: A New Delay in Release of IG FISA Abuse Report Due to ‘Intra-Agency Debate’ Over Redactions

FBI Director Christopher Wray, with Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, left, testifies as the Senate Judiciary Committee examines the internal report of the FBI’s Clinton email probe and the role of former FBI Director James Comey’s actions during the 2016 presidential campaign, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, June 18, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The long-awaited DOJ Inspector General’s report on FISA abuse was expected to be released this Friday.

Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo told viewers on Sunday that, “I’m hearing the IG report will be out this upcoming Friday, Oct. 18, and my sources say it’s as thick as a telephone book.” On Monday, she walked back her statement in the following tweet: “UPDATE: -IG report NOT out this Friday 10/18. Classifications being made. Likely end of month.”

UPDATE: -IG report NOT out this Friday 10/18. Classifications being made. Likely end of month. @MorningsMaria @FoxBusiness @SundayFutures @FoxNews @MariaWallStreet #FisaAbuse

— Maria Bartiromo (@MariaBartiromo) October 14, 2019

On his Monday night show, Sean Hannity said he’s now hearing from sources that there’s been a delay. The latest buzz is that it will come next week.

Hannity spoke to Fox News’ contributor and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT). According to Chaffetz, the reason for the latest delay is that there have been “intra-agency” disagreements over classification issues. He added that up to 10-20% of the report may be redacted.

Chaffetz suggested that Obama’s Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and CIA Director John Brennan may be responsible for the holdup. Both are alleged to have played key roles in the origins of the Trump/Russia collusion investigations and therefore have strong incentives to seek heavy redactions. Former FBI Director James Comey is likely involved in the push for redactions as well.

Aside from the fact that Democrats are trying to minimize damage to themselves and their party, the delay also allows the impeachment inquiry to remain the dominant story in the news for a longer period of time. It’s been over a month since DOJ IG Michael Horowitz submitted this report to Attorney General William Barr.

Why are Republicans afraid to stand up to Democrats?

Below is an excerpt and a video of Hannity and Chaffetz’ discussion about the new delay.

Sean Hannity: Which brings us to the IG report. Congressman Chaffetz, it’s been taking us a long time. And we heard the end of this week. Now we hear the beginning of next week. I can never get a straight answer. You know, at some point are we going to see premeditated fraud on a FISA Court and people held accountable? Spying on a presidential campaign, transition and president?

Jason Chaffetz: It has been going on for an exceptionally long time. Evidently there’s an intra-agency debate and really a food fight, if you will, over the classification issues. Remember in the last report put out by Horowitz there were only seven words or so that were redacted. The Democrats threw a fit that they couldn’t see the whole thing. This could have 10-20% of the report redacted…

Sean Hannity: Is that director Wray who has not shown any willingness to clean up the greatest law enforcement agency in the world? Is that him?

Jason Chaffetz: I have not seen any evidence that Director Wray has been cooperative but I think we’re talking about other agencies, perhaps. Perhaps the CIA the NSA, there are others. Mr. Clapper, Mr. Brennan, are behind the scenes fighting as best they can. in front of the camera fighting as best they can. I think you need to look at what Mr. Comey, the director of the FBI and his interaction with Brennan in particular. What sort of collusion was happening in our government and overseas. That’s the deep concern, Sean.

(The relevant segment begins at 2:45.)

pic.twitter.com/pWZqFoM4bl

— Christopher Johnson (@Christo22862758) October 15, 2019

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