Special Counsel John Durham Defends Report During House Testimony

Special Counsel John Durham testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday regarding his report that concluded the “[Department of Justice] and the FBI failed to uphold their important mission of strict fidelity to the law” throughout investigations into potential Russian 2016 election interference. 

Key Quotes: “The FBI was too willing to accept and use politically funded and uncorroborated opposition research, such as the Steele dossier,” Durham stated. Durham stated that problems in the FBI and DOJ “cannot be addressed solely by enhancing training, or additional policy requirements,” adding, “what is required is accountability, both in terms of the standards to which our law enforcement personnel hold themselves and in the consequences they face for violation of laws and policies of relevance.”

For Context: Durham was appointed special counsel two years ago by then-Attorney General William Barr to investigate the Department of Justice’s investigation into the 2016 election, probing allegations of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. The Durham report was released in May, dividing the media.

How The Media Covered It: Left-rated media focused prominently on criticism of Durham and the report from Democratic lawmakers and legal scholars. Raw Story’s (Left bias) coverage stated Durham “saw his findings get picked apart by multiple Democratic lawmakers” and quoted only sources critical of Durham. Right-rated media focused prominently on statements made by Durham that gave insight into actions conducted by the FBI and the DOJ. Fox News’ (Right bias) coverage stated, “Democrats used the hearing to slam Durham.”