Nearly nine years after the FBI’s controversial investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server, the matter remains relevant in political and institutional discourse. The case is now being reassessed in a new light under the leadership of FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both appointed earlier this year during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Patel, a former national security and intelligence official who served as chief of staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense during Trump’s first term, was confirmed as the Director of the FBI in February 2025. He has pledged to prioritize institutional transparency and accountability within the bureau. Shortly after assuming his post, Patel appointed Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, as Deputy Director.
In recent public statements, both leaders have emphasized their commitment to restoring public trust in the FBI and revisiting the bureau’s handling of past politically sensitive investigations—including the Clinton email case.
In July 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey announced the agency had concluded its investigation into Clinton’s use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State. He said that while Clinton and her staff had been “extremely careless” with classified information, the FBI had not found clear evidence of intentional misconduct that would justify criminal charges.
This decision was met with widespread debate. Critics argued Comey overstepped his authority by publicly announcing prosecutorial decisions—traditionally the role of the Department of Justice—while supporters maintained the statement was necessary for public transparency.
The issue was further intensified just days before the 2016 presidential election when Comey notified Congress that the investigation was being re-opened due to the discovery of additional emails. Clinton later cited this announcement as a contributing factor in her electoral defeat to Donald Trump.
In 2018, the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a comprehensive report on the FBI’s handling of the Clinton email investigation. The OIG criticized Comey for violating DOJ procedures and for making unilateral public statements without consulting his superiors. However, the report found no evidence of political bias and did not recommend criminal charges against any FBI officials.
Director Patel has stated in public remarks that he respects the Inspector General’s findings and intends to ensure future investigations are conducted with strict adherence to protocol. He has also noted that the FBI under his leadership is committed to evaluating internal procedures to prevent similar breakdowns in communication or judgment.
Deputy Director Bongino has echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of professional standards and transparency across all FBI operations. While he has not commented specifically on new evidence or discoveries, Bongino stated that the bureau’s focus is on rebuilding confidence through clarity and institutional reform.
As of July 2025, there is no indication that the Department of Justice is reopening the Clinton email case. However, under new leadership, the FBI appears committed to reflecting on its recent history as it moves forward.