Empire State Today

In a recent article published in The Wall Street Journal, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik raised concerns about the FBI's handling of Iranian interference in the 2024 presidential election. She criticized the agency for not answering key questions regarding alleged Iranian cyber operations targeting the Trump campaign.

Stefanik recalled how in 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey did not inform Congress about initiating the Crossfire Hurricane investigation into Donald Trump. "This was an egregious breach of protocol and a failure to comply with congressional oversight," she stated, noting it led to what she describes as the "infamous Russia hoax."

On September 19, before the upcoming election, the FBI briefed the Intelligence Committee on foreign election interference. The Justice Department had revealed that Iranian agents hacked Trump's campaign. Stefanik questioned why there was no immediate response from the FBI when asked for details about this incident.

She outlined several questions that remain unanswered by the FBI:

1. When did they learn about Iran's initial efforts targeting Trump's campaign?

2. When were both presidential campaigns notified?

3. How did they become aware of Iran's cyber operation against Trump's campaign?

4. Who informed them and when were notifications made?

5. Is this considered foreign government interference?

Stefanik further questioned whether similar activities targeted other campaigns and if exfiltrated data was sent to media or political operatives linked to Joe Biden’s campaign.

According to Stefanik, "The FBI could easily and quickly answer these questions without impeding any investigation or revealing sources." She expressed concern that withholding information may suggest attempts to influence elections or involve Democratic operatives in foreign interference.

Stefanik also referenced past incidents such as Crossfire Hurricane and claimed anti-Trump bias within the FBI influenced decision-making processes negatively impacting Trump’s presidency.

In her closing remarks, she emphasized Congress’s role in ensuring executive accountability: "We won’t tolerate a rogue FBI withholding information on an issue as important as this—a foreign enemy attempting to undermine, hack and kill the leading candidate for president."