A new controversy has emerged within the federal government as President Donald Trump’s administration responds to reports that thousands of sensitive documents tied to the origins of the Trump–Russia investigation were allegedly found hidden in FBI “burn bags.” The report, first published by Fox News Digital, claims the documents were stored in a secure room within the FBI and were set aside for destruction.
The materials are said to relate directly to Crossfire Hurricane, the FBI’s 2016 counterintelligence probe into Trump’s first presidential campaign and its alleged ties to Russia. According to unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the documents were improperly handled and nearly destroyed using “burn bags”—a standard government method for disposing of classified materials.
Discovery by Patel and Durham Report’s Classified Annex
According to Fox News, the discovery was made by FBI Director Kash Patel, who was appointed by President Trump during his second term. Patel reportedly located the documents while reviewing internal FBI records related to the Russia investigation.
The documents are believed to connect to a classified annex of Special Counsel John Durham’s final report, which was released in 2023. While Durham’s public report was critical of the FBI’s conduct, this annex—still classified—reportedly contains raw intelligence and source material not included in the public findings.
Fox’s report claims the annex suggests that prior to opening the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, U.S. intelligence agencies were aware that the FBI planned to amplify unverified claims of collusion between Trump and Russia.
Grassley Reviewing Documents for Public Release
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is now reviewing the documents and annex. According to congressional aides, Grassley intends to push for the annex’s declassification pending a joint review by the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Defense.
“The American people deserve transparency,” Grassley’s office said in a brief statement.
Allegations of Foreign Warnings and Internal Coordination
Sources familiar with the annex told Fox News that foreign intelligence partners warned the U.S. in 2016 that elements within the FBI might be working to promote the Trump–Russia collusion narrative, potentially aiding the Clinton campaign. The annex reportedly supports the theory that certain federal officials were politically motivated.
One anonymous source told Fox, “The release of the classified annex will lend more credibility to the assertion that there was a coordinated plan inside the U.S. government to help the Clinton campaign stir up controversy connecting Trump to Russia.”
President Trump Responds
Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, President Trump directly addressed the matter during a press briefing.
“I want all of these files shown to the American people,” Trump said. “It was a scam set up by Democrats, and now the truth is coming out.”
President Trump called for the immediate release of the annex and vowed to hold accountable “anyone involved in misleading the country.”
“This has been going on for almost a decade,” he said. “Now we’re finally seeing the depth of the corruption.”
FBI Remains Silent
The FBI has not publicly responded to the report or the allegations that sensitive materials were stored in destruction bags rather than formally archived. In the past, the Bureau has acknowledged missteps in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation but has denied any political motivations.
Next Steps
The review by Senator Grassley and national security agencies is underway. If the classified annex is declassified, it could reignite political battles over the Russia investigation and deepen scrutiny of the FBI’s conduct during the 2016 election cycle.
