Print
Close
Secret FBI probe cast Trump as possible Russian asset after Comey firing, memos show
By Ashley DiMella
Published August 05, 2026
The White House released newly declassified FBI memos showing that the bureau opened a 2017 counterintelligence investigation into whether President Donald Trump’s firing of James Comey was connected to Russia.
The investigation, codenamed "Oxferd Comma," opened after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in May 2017, according to the White House's release. It is unclear as to why the word "Oxford" was seemingly misspelled.
The probe was launched due to national security concerns about whether Trump himself was a Russian asset, the documents allege.
Former FBI Director James Comey. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Investigators sought to determine whether Trump was "directed by, controlled by, and/or coordinated activities with, the Russian Federation in a manner constituting a threat to the national security of the United States and/or a violation of federal criminal statutes," according an FBI memo on May 16, 2017, jump-starting the investigation.
"In addition, this investigation will also seek to determine whether President Trump and others yet to be named obstructed and/or conspiracy to obstruct any associated FBI investigation," the same memo added.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for additional comment on Wednesday.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/secret-fbi-probe-cast-trump-possible-russian-asset-after-comey-firing-memos-show