Watchdog Demands Probe into Alleged Lies by Government Agencies Over Steele Dossier

The Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) initiated multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in 2019, targeting the FBI, CIA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). These requests sought communications pertaining to the Steele dossier, a document funded by the Clinton campaign.

Agencies consistently asserted to the federal court that they possessed no such documents, leading SLF to dismiss its initial lawsuits despite lingering suspicions that the records did exist.

A 2025 whistleblower report has brought new revelations, contradicting the previous claims of government agencies. The report indicates that records pertaining to the Steele dossier not only existed in 2019, but also that agency officials actively discussed SLF's FOIA requests.

The report further demonstrates that these officials consciously decided not to produce the requested documents. Kimberly Hermann stated unequivocally that the agencies lied to the Southeastern Legal Foundation, the American public, and a federal court.

An infamous meeting in December 2016 involved key figures such as then-President Obama, James Comey, James Clapper, and John Brennan. Initially, intelligence assessments did not support claims of Trump-Russia collusion in the 2020 election.

However, the Clinton-funded Steele dossier was allegedly leveraged to alter this original intelligence assessment, and subsequently, this change was concealed from the public.

The Southeastern Legal Foundation has submitted a follow-up demand letter to the FBI, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of Special Counsel. Kimberly Hermann contends that the existing evidence is so clear-cut that extensive, years-long investigations are unnecessary.

SLF's demand specifically seeks accountability for officials who allegedly provided false statements to federal courts, framing the current evidence as sufficient for immediate referrals and prosecution.

Following the confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Southeastern Legal Foundation has filed a second letter, anticipating a proactive approach from the new administration. The organization expects the Department of Justice and President Trump to prioritize the eradication of government fraud.

Hermann underscored the critical need for federal courts in Georgia, which were allegedly misled, to address this issue and hold the responsible parties accountable.