Washington: US President Donald Trump is set to approve the release of a controversial memo accusing the FBI of abusing its surveillance tools during its probe into alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election, setting up a clash with the intelligence agency.
The approval for the release of such a memo, which is being opposed by the FBI, could come as soon as tonight, US media reported.
A senior administration official told the media aboard Air Force One that the president is expected to tell Congress that he has no objections to the release of the memo written by House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes.
Requesting anonymity, the official said it is a Congressional process and that the decision was made after looking at the memo the last few days and making sure “it doesn’t give away too much in terms of classification”.
“The President is ok with it,” the official said.
“I doubt there will be any redactions. It’s in Congress’ hands after that,” the official said, and refused to answer any further questions.
Trump’s reported decision comes a day after the FBI in an unusual move went public urging against release of the memo.
Some White House official fear that this might result in the resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray. Last year, Trump abruptly fired FBI chief James Comey for his handling of the Russia inquiry.
Trump publicly shamed Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his decision to recuse himself from the Russia case because of his prior contacts with Russia Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
The potential release of the memo has set up a standoff with Trump against both the FBI and Department of Justice.
Although the President has signalled that he is inclined to release the memo, as part of an effort to undercut the special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, senior officials inside the White House are trying to come up with a solution that satisfies both the President and law enforcement officials like Wray and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, CNN said.
Intelligence officials warn the memo distorts facts and could jeopardise intelligence-gathering information.
Once Trump gives his approval, it would be up to the House intelligence committee to take a final call on the report’s release.
Nunes is under pressure from the opposition Democrats and some of his own Republican lawmakers not to release the memo.
PTI
