The 2016 U.S. presidential election and its aftermath have been the subject of intense public and political scrutiny. Central to this narrative are Fusion GPS, the research firm; Nellie Ohr, a contractor for Fusion GPS; Christopher Steele, the former British intelligence officer; and the Clinton campaign’s involvement in opposition research.
Here is a clear summary of what has been verified and confirmed by public records, official reports, and credible sources.
Fusion GPS and the Clinton Campaign
Fusion GPS is a Washington, D.C.-based private research firm specializing in investigative research. In 2016, the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) retained Fusion GPS to conduct opposition research on Donald Trump. This arrangement is confirmed through court documents and public disclosures.
Opposition research is a common political campaign tool aimed at gathering information about opponents.
Nellie Ohr’s Role
Nellie Ohr, an academic and former government analyst, worked as a contractor for Fusion GPS during this period. She contributed research efforts related to the investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia. Her involvement is confirmed by congressional testimony and public records.
Nellie Ohr is married to Bruce Ohr, a senior official at the Department of Justice, who was involved in communications related to Fusion GPS and Christopher Steele’s work during the FBI investigation.
Christopher Steele and the Steele Dossier
Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer, was hired by Fusion GPS to conduct research into Donald Trump’s possible connections to Russia. Steele produced a series of intelligence reports known collectively as the Steele Dossier.
Some elements of the dossier have been corroborated, while others remain unverified or disputed. The dossier was only one part of the broader set of intelligence reviewed by the FBI.
The FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane Investigation
The FBI opened the Crossfire Hurricane investigation in 2016 to explore possible links between the Trump campaign and Russian interference. The investigation was initiated based on multiple sources, including a tip from an Australian diplomat about Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos.
The Steele Dossier was part of the evidence considered but was not the sole or primary basis for the investigation.
Official Findings
In 2019, the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General, led by Michael Horowitz, published a report evaluating the FBI’s conduct during Crossfire Hurricane.
Key findings include:
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The FBI had a valid reason to open the investigation.
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While procedural errors were identified, such as incomplete disclosures in surveillance applications, these did not invalidate the investigation.
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The investigation was not driven by political bias.
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The Steele Dossier was treated cautiously and was one among many sources considered.
There was no evidence that the Clinton campaign or Fusion GPS controlled or orchestrated the FBI investigation.
Summary of Verified Facts
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Fusion GPS was hired by the Clinton campaign and DNC for opposition research.
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Nellie Ohr worked as a contractor for Fusion GPS during 2016.
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Christopher Steele was hired by Fusion GPS and authored the Steele Dossier.
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The Steele Dossier was one piece of evidence used by the FBI; it was not the sole basis for the investigation.
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The FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation was properly predicated.
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The investigation was not orchestrated or controlled by the Clinton campaign.
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There is no verified evidence Nellie Ohr lied under oath.
Conclusion
The facts confirm Fusion GPS’s role as an opposition research firm hired by the Clinton campaign and DNC, with Nellie Ohr contributing as a contractor. Christopher Steele, hired by Fusion GPS, authored the dossier that contained a mix of corroborated and unverified information.
The FBI’s investigation into Russian interference was launched based on multiple intelligence sources, and official reviews have validated its legitimacy despite procedural errors. Claims that the Clinton campaign orchestrated or controlled the investigation, or that Nellie Ohr lied under oath, are not supported by evidence.
Clear understanding based on verified facts is crucial amid the intense political discourse surrounding this issue.
