Changes

During the [[2012 presidential election]] the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' published an article entitled, ''The President's Hit List.'' [[Idaho]] businessman Frank VanderSloot became the target of a smear campaign since it had been disclosed earlier that he donated $1 million to a super PAC supporting [[Mitt Romney]]. Obama's campaign website teed him up in April of as one of eight "less than reputable" Romney donors and a "bitter foe of the [[gay rights]] movement." VanderSloot's wife donated to an anti-[[gay marriage|gay-marriage]] campaign, of the kind that had passed in 30 or so states. The article read, "Now we learn that little more than a week after that Presidential posting, a former Democratic Senate staffer called the courthouse in Mr. VanderSloot's home town of Idaho Falls seeking his [[divorce]] records. Ms. Strassel traced the operative, Michael Wolf, to a [[Washington, D.C.]] outfit called FusionGPS that says it is "a commercial research firm."<ref>http://www.fusiongps.com</ref> FusionGPS is run by a former ''Wall Street Journal'' reporter, Glenn Simpson, who wouldn't say who is paying him for this high-minded slumming but said in an email that Mr. VanderSloot was a "legitimate" target because of "his record on [[homosexual agenda|gay issues]]."<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304203604577397031654422966</ref> FusionGPS is the same oufit that later produces the ''Steele dossier''.

During the [[2012 presidential election]] the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' published an article entitled, ''The President's Hit List.'' [[Idaho]] businessman Frank VanderSloot became the target of a smear campaign since it had been disclosed earlier that he donated $1 million to a super PAC supporting [[Mitt Romney]]. Obama's campaign website teed him up in April of as one of eight "less than reputable" Romney donors and a "bitter foe of the [[gay rights]] movement." VanderSloot's wife donated to an anti-[[gay marriage|gay-marriage]] campaign, of the kind that had passed in 30 or so states. The article read, "Now we learn that little more than a week after that Presidential posting, a former Democratic Senate staffer called the courthouse in Mr. VanderSloot's home town of Idaho Falls seeking his [[divorce]] records. Ms. Strassel traced the operative, Michael Wolf, to a [[Washington, D.C.]] outfit called FusionGPS that says it is "a commercial research firm."<ref>http://www.fusiongps.com</ref> FusionGPS is run by a former ''Wall Street Journal'' reporter, Glenn Simpson, who wouldn't say who is paying him for this high-minded slumming but said in an email that Mr. VanderSloot was a "legitimate" target because of "his record on [[homosexual agenda|gay issues]]."<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304203604577397031654422966</ref> FusionGPS is the same oufit that later produces the ''Steele dossier''.

In August of 2015 the ''[[National Review]]'' published ''Planned Parenthood’s Commissioned Video Review Proves the Authenticity of Its Employees’ Ghoulish Statements.'' [[Planned Parenthood]] had been accused of harvesting body-parts from late term [[abortion]] victims. FusionGPS was hired to refute the charges.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/423246/planned-parenthoods-fusion-inc-videos-review</ref>

In August 2015 the ''[[National Review]]'' published ''Planned Parenthood’s Commissioned Video Review Proves the Authenticity of Its Employees’ Ghoulish Statements.'' [[Planned Parenthood]] had been accused of harvesting body-parts from late term [[abortion]] victims. FusionGPS was hired to refute the charges.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/423246/planned-parenthoods-fusion-inc-videos-review</ref>

==Russian lobbying==

==Russian lobbying==

FusionGPS was hired by the law firm of BakerHostetler to compile a dossier on Bill Browder, a [[London]] banker. Browder lobbied strongly for passage of the [[Magnitsky Act]], or Russia sanctions bill. The bill is named for an employee of Browder who died under suspicious circumstances in a Russian while investigating the loss of $350 million dollars. The sanctions bill must he re-authorized every several years. Glenn Simpson, a founding partner of Fusion GPS, compiled the dossier for the anti-Browder project and worked closely with Natalia Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer. Denis Katsyv, the owner of Prevezon Holdings, sought to undo and limit the impact of sanctions in the 2016 re-authorization bill. BakerHostetler, the firm representing Katsyv and Prevezon Holdings made a payment to FusionGPS on March 7, 2016, court records indicate. Through October 31, 2016 BakerHostetler paid FusionGPS $523,651.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2017/11/21/unsealed-fusion-gps-bank-records-show-russia-related-payments/?utm_source=site-share</ref>

FusionGPS was hired by the law firm of BakerHostetler to compile a dossier on Bill Browder, a [[London]] banker. Browder lobbied strongly for passage of the [[Magnitsky Act]], or Russia sanctions bill. The bill is named for an employee of Browder who died under suspicious circumstances in a Russian while investigating the loss of $350 million. The sanctions bill must he re-authorized every several years. Glenn Simpson, a founding partner of Fusion GPS, compiled the dossier for the anti-Browder project and worked closely with Natalia Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer. Denis Katsyv, the owner of Prevezon Holdings, sought to undo and limit the impact of sanctions in the 2016 re-authorization bill. BakerHostetler, the firm representing Katsyv and Prevezon Holdings made a payment to FusionGPS on March 7, 2016, court records indicate. Through October 31, 2016 BakerHostetler paid FusionGPS $523,651.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2017/11/21/unsealed-fusion-gps-bank-records-show-russia-related-payments/?utm_source=site-share</ref>

Natalie Veselnitskaya was granted special immigration parole status by Obama Attn. General Loretta Lynch to represent Prevezon Holdings in an asset forfeiture agreement for $6 million with the U.S. government over a Russia money-laundering suit on May 12, 2016. Veselnitskaya overstayed her immigration parole status to work for FusionGPS in illegal lobbying scheme for repeal of Russian sanctions. Neither Veselnitskaya nor FusionGPS registered as Russian agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Natalie Veselnitskaya was granted special immigration parole status by Obama Attn. General Loretta Lynch to represent Prevezon Holdings in an asset forfeiture agreement for $6 million with the U.S. government over a Russia money-laundering suit on May 12, 2016. Veselnitskaya overstayed her immigration parole status to work for FusionGPS in illegal lobbying scheme for repeal of Russian sanctions. Neither Veselnitskaya nor FusionGPS registered as Russian agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

==Clinton client==

==Clinton client==

On March 15, 2016 FusionGPS's contract with the  Washington FreeBeacon terminated after [[Marco Rubio]] dropped out of the [[Republican]] primaries. FreeBeacon hired FusionGPS six months earlier on October 15, 2015 to perform opposition research on Donald Trump and other Republican candidates. None of the research done for FreeBeacon is related to the ''Steele dossier'' or Russia. Two weeks laters [[Hillary Clinton]] hired FusionGPS through various fronts, the Clinton presidential campaign and [[DNC]], whose financial affairs the Clinton campaign controlled.<ref>http://www.wbur.org/npr/561768006/book-reveals-clinton-campaign-effectively-controlled-dnc-as-early-as-2015 </ref> Clinton designated Mark E. Elias, her personal lawyer, through the law firm of Perkins Coie as payee. Additionally, Perkins Coie employed former Obama White House Chief Legal Counselor, Robert Bauer.<ref>Confessore, Scott Shane, Nicholas; Rosenberg, Matthew (11 January 2017). "How a Sensational, Unverified Dossier Became a Crisis for Donald Trump". The New York Times.</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-to-russia-dossier/2017/10/24/226fabf0-b8e4-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.10bece00087f</ref> When Simpson was subpeaonaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee, Simpson claimed attorney-client privilege to cover-up the relationships. Perkins Coie paid FusionGPS a total of $1,024,408 on behalf of Hillary Clinton for the bogus ''Steele dossier''. The dossier was passed off to mainstream journalists as an authentic an [[KGB]] document and used by the Obama Department of Justice (DOJ) to secure Foreign Intelligent Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants against domestic opponents.

On March 15, 2016 FusionGPS's contract with the  Washington FreeBeacon terminated after [[Marco Rubio]] dropped out of the [[Republican]] primaries. FreeBeacon hired FusionGPS six months earlier on October 15, 2015 to perform opposition research on Donald Trump and other Republican candidates. None of the research done for FreeBeacon is related to the ''Steele dossier'' or Russia. Two weeks laters [[Hillary Clinton]] hired FusionGPS through various fronts, the Clinton presidential campaign and [[DNC]], whose financial affairs the Clinton campaign controlled.<ref>http://www.wbur.org/npr/561768006/book-reveals-clinton-campaign-effectively-controlled-dnc-as-early-as-2015</ref> Clinton designated Mark E. Elias, her personal lawyer, through the law firm of Perkins Coie as payee. Additionally, Perkins Coie employed former Obama White House Chief Legal Counselor, Robert Bauer.<ref>Confessore, Scott Shane, Nicholas; Rosenberg, Matthew (11 January 2017). "How a Sensational, Unverified Dossier Became a Crisis for Donald Trump". The New York Times.</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-to-russia-dossier/2017/10/24/226fabf0-b8e4-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.10bece00087f</ref> When Simpson was subpeaonaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee, Simpson claimed attorney-client privilege to cover-up the relationships. Perkins Coie paid FusionGPS a total of $1,024,408 on behalf of Hillary Clinton for the bogus ''Steele dossier''. The dossier was passed off to mainstream journalists as an authentic an [[KGB]] document and used by the Obama Department of Justice (DOJ) to secure Foreign Intelligent Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants against domestic opponents.

FusionGPS hired Christopher Steele, a former British Intelligence Officer, of Orbis Business Intelligence (Steele's London-based firm) to begin compiling anti-Trump "Dossier" showing ties between Trump and Russia. Steele disclosed this and his period of employment with FusionGPS (12 Jun 2016 through 30 Oct 2016) in later court filings stemming from a lawsuit against him and his "Dossier."<ref>http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/03/how-the-explosive-russian-dossier-was-compiled-christopher-steele</ref> Nellie Ohr, wife of Obama Deputy Attorney General Bruce Ohr and formerly of the [[CIA]]'s Open Source Works group, was hired by FusionGPS to work with Steele.  

FusionGPS hired Christopher Steele, a former British Intelligence Officer, of Orbis Business Intelligence (Steele's London-based firm) to begin compiling anti-Trump "Dossier" showing ties between Trump and Russia. Steele disclosed this and his period of employment with FusionGPS (12 Jun 2016 through 30 Oct 2016) in later court filings stemming from a lawsuit against him and his "Dossier."<ref>http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/03/how-the-explosive-russian-dossier-was-compiled-christopher-steele</ref> Nellie Ohr, wife of Obama Deputy Attorney General Bruce Ohr and formerly of the [[CIA]]'s Open Source Works group, was hired by FusionGPS to work with Steele.  

Open Source Works is described as "CIA's in-house open source analysis component, devoted to intelligence analysis of unclassified, open source information." The directive itself that established Open Source Works is classified, as is the charter of the organization. CIA says the existence of any such records is a classified fact. “The CIA can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of records responsive to your request,” wrote Susan Viscuso, CIA Information and Privacy Coordinator, in a November 29 response to a Freedom of Information Act request from Jeffrey Richelson of the National Security Archive for the Open Source Works directive and charter.

Open Source Works is described as "CIA's in-house open source analysis component, devoted to intelligence analysis of unclassified, open source information." The directive itself that established Open Source Works is classified, as is the charter of the organization. CIA says the existence of any such records is a classified fact. “The CIA can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of records responsive to your request,” wrote Susan Viscuso, CIA Information and Privacy Coordinator, in a November 29 response to a Freedom of Information Act request from Jeffrey Richelson of the National Security Archive for the Open Source Works directive and charter.

“The fact of the existence or nonexistence of requested records is currently and properly classified and is intelligence sources and methods information that is protected from disclosure,” Dr. Viscuso wrote. This is a surprising development since Open Source Works — by definition — does not engage in clandestine collection of intelligence. Rather, it performs analysis based on unclassified, open source materials. -FAS <ref>http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-12/mccabe-cancels-testimony-something-far-more-sinister-fusion-gps </ref>  

“The fact of the existence or nonexistence of requested records is currently and properly classified and is intelligence sources and methods information that is protected from disclosure,” Dr. Viscuso wrote. This is a surprising development since Open Source Works — by definition — does not engage in clandestine collection of intelligence. Rather, it performs analysis based on unclassified, open source materials. -FAS <ref>http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-12/mccabe-cancels-testimony-something-far-more-sinister-fusion-gps</ref>  

In late May 2016 Nellie Ohr applied for a HAM radio license, a communication tool that would allow Nellie Ohr and Christopher Steele the ability to communicate outside the normal risk of communication intercepts.<ref>http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/LicArchive/license.jsp?archive=Y&licKey=12382876 </ref> Steele filed his first report entitled ''Company Intelligence Report'' on June 20, 2016, the 'pee pee' memo. Days later Peter Strzok of the Obama FBI Counterintelligence  Division met with Christopher Steele and received a preliminary draft of Steele's memo. <ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070</ref>

In late May 2016 Nellie Ohr applied for a HAM radio license, a communication tool that would allow Nellie Ohr and Christopher Steele the ability to communicate outside the normal risk of communication intercepts.<ref>http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/LicArchive/license.jsp?archive=Y&licKey=12382876</ref> Steele filed his first report entitled ''Company Intelligence Report'' on June 20, 2016, the 'pee pee' memo. Days later Peter Strzok of the Obama FBI Counterintelligence  Division met with Christopher Steele and received a preliminary draft of Steele's memo.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070</ref>

[[File:Loretta Lynch and Bill Clinton meet in P 0 41315067 ver1.0 640 480.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Bill Clinton/Loretta Lynch tarmac meeting, June 29, 2016. Phoenix airport. Lynch's long awaited announcement on the disposition of the [[Hillary Clinton email scandal|Hillary Clinton email investigation]] never occurred when she compromised herself in a secret meeting with the husband of the accused. FBI Dir. Comey surprisingly announced days later he decided against recommending prosecution, usurping the authority of the Attorney General. The Justice Dept. immediately tried to cover up the meeting and denied it had any paper trail of its existence. While the substance of the meeting was never disclosed, Christopher Steele filed his first report days earlier, and Lynch's Justice Dept. days later was seeking [[FISA]] warrants against members of the Trump campaign.]]

[[File:Loretta Lynch and Bill Clinton meet in P 0 41315067 ver1.0 640 480.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Bill Clinton/Loretta Lynch tarmac meeting, June 29, 2016. Phoenix airport. Lynch's long-awaited announcement on the disposition of the [[Hillary Clinton email scandal|Hillary Clinton email investigation]] never occurred when she compromised herself in a secret meeting with the husband of the accused. FBI Dir. Comey surprisingly announced days later he decided against recommending prosecution, usurping the authority of the Attorney General. The Justice Dept. immediately tried to cover up the meeting and denied it had any paper trail of its existence. While the substance of the meeting was never disclosed, Christopher Steele filed his first report days earlier, and Lynch's Justice Dept. days later was seeking [[FISA]] warrants against members of the Trump campaign.]]

In late June, after former President [[Bill Clinton]]'s meeting with Attn. Gen. [[Loretta Lynch]] on the airport tarmac in [[Phoenix]], the Justice Department sought [[FISA]] warrants to eavesdrop on Donald Trump, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, and Boris Epshteyn. The FISA court denied the initial request.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/443768/obama-fisa-trump-wiretap-may-have-been-sought </ref> It is improbable that the [[Attorney General]] would act on her own against a presidential nominee of another party without consulting [[President Obama]].<ref>https://youtu.be/5CSZKmssG2o</ref> Simultaneously FBI agent Peter Strzok had direct contact with Christopher Steele and received a preliminary draft of the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070 </ref>

In late June, after former President [[Bill Clinton]]'s meeting with Attn. Gen. [[Loretta Lynch]] on the airport tarmac in [[Phoenix]], the Justice Department sought [[FISA]] warrants to eavesdrop on Donald Trump, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, and Boris Epshteyn. The FISA court denied the initial request.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/443768/obama-fisa-trump-wiretap-may-have-been-sought</ref> It is improbable that the [[Attorney General]] would act on her own against a presidential nominee of another party without consulting [[President Obama]].<ref>https://youtu.be/5CSZKmssG2o</ref> Simultaneously FBI agent Peter Strzok had direct contact with Christopher Steele and received a preliminary draft of the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070</ref>

Throughout July, August, and September 2016 Fusion GPS was paying journalists from the ''New York Times'', ABC, NBC, ''Washington Post'', ''Mother Jones'' and others to listen to Christopher Steele and shopping the fake ''Steele dossier'' to them. Court papers confirm payments.<ref>http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/fusion-gps-paid-journalists-court-papers-confirm/article/2641454 </ref>

Throughout July, August, and September 2016 Fusion GPS was paying journalists from the ''New York Times'', ABC, NBC, ''Washington Post'', ''Mother Jones'' and others to listen to Christopher Steele and shopping the fake ''Steele dossier'' to them. Court papers confirm payments.<ref>http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/fusion-gps-paid-journalists-court-papers-confirm/article/2641454</ref>

Sometime around Thanksgiving 2016 Simpson of met with Obama Dep. Attn. Gen. Bruce Ohr while President-elect Trump was selecting his cabinet, and discussed the ''Steele dossier'', the FBI's Russia meddling investigation, and what Simpson considered the distressing development of Trump’s victory. The ''Steele dossier'' had been in the hands of the FBI for some five months, and the surveillance on Carter Page, an adviser to the Trump campaign, had started more than two months prior. Attn Gen. Loretta Lynch used the opposition research paid for by [[Hillary Clinton]] to justify a foreign surveillance warrant (FISA) against Page.  

Sometime around Thanksgiving 2016 Simpson of met with Obama Dep. Attn. Gen. Bruce Ohr while President-elect Trump was selecting his cabinet, and discussed the ''Steele dossier'', the FBI's Russia meddling investigation, and what Simpson considered the distressing development of Trump’s victory. The ''Steele dossier'' had been in the hands of the FBI for some five months, and the surveillance on Carter Page, an adviser to the Trump campaign, had started more than two months prior. Attn Gen. Loretta Lynch used the opposition research paid for by [[Hillary Clinton]] to justify a foreign surveillance warrant (FISA) against Page.  

By late July 2017 there were calls all around for he appointment of a Special Prosecutor to look into Comey and the FBI’s reliance on FusionGPS in its investigation of the Trump campaign, including the creation of the ''Steele dosdier'' about Donald Trump, that dossier’s commission and dissemination in the months before and after the [[2016 presidential election]], whether the FBI paid anyone connected to the dossier, and the intelligence sources of FusionGPS or any person or company working for FusionGPS and its affiliates.<ref>https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=939</ref>

By late July 2017 there were calls all around for he appointment of a Special Prosecutor to look into Comey and the FBI’s reliance on FusionGPS in its investigation of the Trump campaign, including the creation of the ''Steele dosdier'' about Donald Trump, that dossier’s commission and dissemination in the months before and after the [[2016 presidential election]], whether the FBI paid anyone connected to the dossier, and the intelligence sources of FusionGPS or any person or company working for FusionGPS and its affiliates.<ref>https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=939</ref>

On October 18, 2017 Peter Fritsch and Thomas Catan, co-founders of FusionGPS, refused to identify the Hillary Clinton campaign and the DNC as the sponsors of ''Steele dossier''. The FusionGPS founders plead the [[Fifth Amendment]] right against self-incrimination “to every question asked of them" in House Intelligence Committee investigation.<ref>http://www.dailywire.com/news/22445/firm-connected-russia-and-democrats-made-trump-ryan-saavedra</ref> The ''Washington Post'' finally admited on October 24 that the "Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee  funded the research that resulted in a now-infamous dossier containing allegations about President Trump’s connections to Russia and possible coordination between his campaign and the [[Kremlin]]...The Clinton campaign paid Perkins Coie $5.6 million in legal fees from June 2015 to December 2016, according to campaign finance records, and the DNC paid the firm $3.6 million in “legal and compliance consulting’’ since November 2015.<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-to-russia-dossier/2017/10/24/226fabf0-b8e4-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.458088f4d37c</ref><ref>https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/10/24/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-russia-dossier/WfYqXZf9lvbL5ujqnpp2FJ/story.html</ref> ''WaPo'' published an Oped claiming the "Steele's dossier does include information it says was obtained from "a senior Russian Foreign Ministry figure and a former top level Russian intelligence officer still active inside the Kremlin." In other words, the Clinton camp and the DNC colluded with the Russian government."<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/10/25/the-clinton-camp-and-the-dnc-helped-pay-for-that-trump-russia-dossier-heres-what-it-means/?utm_term=.44ba2d3fe34b</ref>  

On October 18, 2017 Peter Fritsch and Thomas Catan, co-founders of FusionGPS, refused to identify the Hillary Clinton campaign and the DNC as the sponsors of ''Steele dossier''. The FusionGPS founders plead the [[Fifth Amendment]] right against self-incrimination “to every question asked of them" in House Intelligence Committee investigation.<ref>http://www.dailywire.com/news/22445/firm-connected-russia-and-democrats-made-trump-ryan-saavedra</ref> The ''Washington Post'' finally admitted on October 24 that the "Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee  funded the research that resulted in a now-infamous dossier containing allegations about President Trump’s connections to Russia and possible coordination between his campaign and the [[Kremlin]]...The Clinton campaign paid Perkins Coie $5.6 million in legal fees from June 2015 to December 2016, according to campaign finance records, and the DNC paid the firm $3.6 million in “legal and compliance consulting’’ since November 2015.<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-to-russia-dossier/2017/10/24/226fabf0-b8e4-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.458088f4d37c</ref><ref>https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/10/24/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-russia-dossier/WfYqXZf9lvbL5ujqnpp2FJ/story.html</ref> ''WaPo'' published an Oped claiming the "Steele's dossier does include information it says was obtained from "a senior Russian Foreign Ministry figure and a former top level Russian intelligence officer still active inside the Kremlin." In other words, the Clinton camp and the DNC colluded with the Russian government."<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/10/25/the-clinton-camp-and-the-dnc-helped-pay-for-that-trump-russia-dossier-heres-what-it-means/?utm_term=.44ba2d3fe34b</ref>  

On October 26 CNN reported that Clinton campaign chairman [[John Podesta]] was asked by Congressional nvestigators in his September "whether the Clinton campaign had a contractual agreement with Fusion GPS, and he said he was not aware of one, according to one of the sources. Sitting next to Podesta during the interview: his attorney Marc Elias, who worked for the law firm that hired Fusion GPS" to write the ''Steele dossier'' for the Clinton campaign and DNC.<ref>http://www.independentsentinel.com/john-podesta-appears-to-have-lied-to-the-senate-intel-committee-its-illegal/</ref><ref>http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/26/politics/john-podesta-debbie-wasserman-schultz-trump-dossier/index.html</ref> Former Obama CIA Dir. [[Leon Panetta]] called for the Senate Intelligence Committee to look into the Clinton campaign and DNC funding of the ''Steele dossier.''<ref>http://ntknetwork.com/panetta-intelligence-committee-needs-to-look-into-clintondnc-dossier-payment/</ref> The ''Daily Caller'' reported on ''CNN's undisclosed ties to FusionGPS''.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2017/10/28/cnns-undisclosed-ties-to-fusion-gps/</ref> The ''New York Post'' reported ''How team Hillary hoaxed the press''.<ref>http://nypost.com/2017/10/26/how-team-hillary-played-the-press-for-fools-on-russia/</ref>

On October 26 CNN reported that Clinton campaign chairman [[John Podesta]] was asked by Congressional nvestigators in his September "whether the Clinton campaign had a contractual agreement with Fusion GPS, and he said he was not aware of one, according to one of the sources. Sitting next to Podesta during the interview: his attorney Marc Elias, who worked for the law firm that hired Fusion GPS" to write the ''Steele dossier'' for the Clinton campaign and DNC.<ref>http://www.independentsentinel.com/john-podesta-appears-to-have-lied-to-the-senate-intel-committee-its-illegal/</ref><ref>http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/26/politics/john-podesta-debbie-wasserman-schultz-trump-dossier/index.html</ref> Former Obama CIA Dir. [[Leon Panetta]] called for the Senate Intelligence Committee to look into the Clinton campaign and DNC funding of the ''Steele dossier.''<ref>http://ntknetwork.com/panetta-intelligence-committee-needs-to-look-into-clintondnc-dossier-payment/</ref> The ''Daily Caller'' reported on ''CNN's undisclosed ties to FusionGPS''.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2017/10/28/cnns-undisclosed-ties-to-fusion-gps/</ref> The ''New York Post'' reported ''How team Hillary hoaxed the press''.<ref>http://nypost.com/2017/10/26/how-team-hillary-played-the-press-for-fools-on-russia/</ref>

The ''Atlantic'' reported during the Obama administration Russian oligarchs owned 5% of [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter]].<ref>https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/11/yuri-milner-paradise-papers/545483/</ref> Prof. Mifsud, an alleged Christopher Steele contact, disappeared.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/08/politics/joseph-mifsud-trump-russia-investigation/index.html</ref> Steve Mostyn,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154712/https://www.tlrpac.com/files/DemSteveMostynBig.pdf</ref> Democrat mega donor to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head. Mostyn was a co-founder of the Ready for Hillary PAC and the 10th largest donor in the United States.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20171117203451/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/democratic-mega-donor-mostyn-dies-amid-mental-health-51199029</ref><ref>http://rebrn.com/re/long-time-clinton-donor-multimillionaire-dead-by-suicide-3718228/</ref> Calls for the appointment of a Special Prosecutor mounted.<ref>http://nypost.com/2017/11/05/graham-calls-for-special-counsel-to-prove-clinton-on-russia-ties/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow&sr_share=twitter</ref><ref>http://nypost.com/2017/11/05/graham-calls-for-special-counsel-to-prove-clinton-on-russia-ties/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow&sr_share=twitter</ref><ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/13/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-considers-appointment-of-new-special-counsel.html</ref><ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/14/jim-jordan-special-counsel-needs-to-investigate-do/</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/15/rep-mark-meadows-special-counsel-must-investigate-russia-dossier-explain-why-obamas-fbi-was-involved.html</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/yes-the-clintons-should-be-investigated/2017/11/19/d88bb652-cb15-11e7-b0cf-7689a9f2d84e_story.html?utm_term=.f31ee84c1d43</ref><ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/454133/russia-investigation-robert-mueller-special-counsel-needs-oversight-prevent-abuse</ref>

The ''Atlantic'' reported during the Obama administration Russian oligarchs owned 5% of [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter]].<ref>https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/11/yuri-milner-paradise-papers/545483/</ref> Prof. Mifsud, an alleged Christopher Steele contact, disappeared.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/08/politics/joseph-mifsud-trump-russia-investigation/index.html</ref> Steve Mostyn,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154712/https://www.tlrpac.com/files/DemSteveMostynBig.pdf</ref> Democrat mega donor to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head. Mostyn was a co-founder of the Ready for Hillary PAC and the 10th largest donor in the United States.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20171117203451/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/democratic-mega-donor-mostyn-dies-amid-mental-health-51199029</ref><ref>http://rebrn.com/re/long-time-clinton-donor-multimillionaire-dead-by-suicide-3718228/</ref> Calls for the appointment of a Special Prosecutor mounted.<ref>http://nypost.com/2017/11/05/graham-calls-for-special-counsel-to-prove-clinton-on-russia-ties/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow&sr_share=twitter</ref><ref>http://nypost.com/2017/11/05/graham-calls-for-special-counsel-to-prove-clinton-on-russia-ties/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow&sr_share=twitter</ref><ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/13/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-considers-appointment-of-new-special-counsel.html</ref><ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/14/jim-jordan-special-counsel-needs-to-investigate-do/</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/15/rep-mark-meadows-special-counsel-must-investigate-russia-dossier-explain-why-obamas-fbi-was-involved.html</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/yes-the-clintons-should-be-investigated/2017/11/19/d88bb652-cb15-11e7-b0cf-7689a9f2d84e_story.html?utm_term=.f31ee84c1d43</ref><ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/454133/russia-investigation-robert-mueller-special-counsel-needs-oversight-prevent-abuse</ref>

In January of 2017 Sen. [[Diane Feinstein]] posted the transcript of Glenn Simpson's Senate Intelligence Committee testimony.<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/jan/11/dianne-feinstein-partially-blames-bad-cold-for-rel/ </ref> Simpson said that the FBI paid for Steele's travels to Rome. The FBI was sharing information with Steele. Strzok was sharing FBI intelligence with someone paid by Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee. Steele said of the FBI, “they want everything I have.” Simpson admited the Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya was hired by Simpson to lobby on behalf of Russian interests for the removal of sanctions. Simpson acknowledged that he either worked with or knows of four attendees at the Trump Tower meeting: Irakle Kaveladze, Veselnitskaya, Rinat Akhmetshin, and Anatoli Samochornov. Samochornov also worked on the Prevezon case. Simpson perjured himself in denying that the Democratic party and their nominee Hillary Clinton were his clients.<ref>https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3/9/3974a291-ddbe-4525-9ed1-22bab43c05ae/934A3562824CACA7BB4D915E97709D2F.simpson-transcript-redacted.pdf </ref>

In January 2017 Sen. [[Diane Feinstein]] posted the transcript of Glenn Simpson's Senate Intelligence Committee testimony.<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/jan/11/dianne-feinstein-partially-blames-bad-cold-for-rel/</ref> Simpson said that the FBI paid for Steele's travels to Rome. The FBI was sharing information with Steele. Strzok was sharing FBI intelligence with someone paid by Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee. Steele said of the FBI, “they want everything I have.” Simpson admitted the Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya was hired by Simpson to lobby on behalf of Russian interests for the removal of sanctions. Simpson acknowledged that he either worked with or knows of four attendees at the Trump Tower meeting: Irakle Kaveladze, Veselnitskaya, Rinat Akhmetshin, and Anatoli Samochornov. Samochornov also worked on the Prevezon case. Simpson perjured himself in denying that the Democratic party and their nominee Hillary Clinton were his clients.<ref>https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3/9/3974a291-ddbe-4525-9ed1-22bab43c05ae/934A3562824CACA7BB4D915E97709D2F.simpson-transcript-redacted.pdf</ref>

==Trump Tower meeting==

==Trump Tower meeting==

On May 12, 2016 Prevezon Holdings settled with the [[Obama administration]] for $6 million in a [[Russia]] [[money-laundering]] suit. Russian attorney representing clients in the suit, Natalie Veselnitskaya, remained in US to lobby for repeal of the [[Magnitsky Act]], or Russian sanctions bill. The clients Veselnitskaya represented are on the Russia sanctions list.<!--Repeal of the Magnitsky Act. "the Russian government reportedly lobbied against the legislation acting through a public relations company led by Kenneth Duberstein," former Reagan Chief of staff. Preet Bharara is also named on a list of 18 Americans barred from entry to Russia in retaliation for "alleged human rights violations." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnitsky_Act#Russian_government_reaction </ref> --> Veselnitskaya was hired by FusionGPS and engaged in illegal lobbying for repeal of the Magnitsky Act. Neither Veselnitskaya, nor FusionGPS, registered as Russian agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).  

On May 12, 2016 Prevezon Holdings settled with the [[Obama administration]] for $6 million in a [[Russia]] [[money-laundering]] suit. Russian attorney representing clients in the suit, Natalie Veselnitskaya, remained in US to lobby for repeal of the [[Magnitsky Act]], or Russian sanctions bill. The clients Veselnitskaya represented are on the Russia sanctions list.<!--Repeal of the Magnitsky Act. "the Russian government reportedly lobbied against the legislation acting through a public relations company led by Kenneth Duberstein," former Reagan Chief of staff. Preet Bharara is also named on a list of 18 Americans barred from entry to Russia in retaliation for "alleged human rights violations." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnitsky_Act#Russian_government_reaction </ref> --> Veselnitskaya was hired by FusionGPS and engaged in illegal lobbying for repeal of the Magnitsky Act. Neither Veselnitskaya, nor FusionGPS, registered as Russian agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).  

Veselnitskaya was initially denied entry into the United States, only to be granted special immigration parole  status under "extraordinary circumstances" by Obama's [[Homeland Security Department]] and approved by former AG [[Loretta Lynch]] so that Veselnitskaya could represent FusionGPS client Denis Katsyv's company, Prevezon Holdings. Veselnitskaya overstayed her immigration parole status so that she could attend the meeting aranged by Fusion GPS associate Rob Goldstone at Trump Tower with Donald Trump Jr.

Veselnitskaya was initially denied entry into the United States, only to be granted special immigration parole  status under "extraordinary circumstances" by Obama's [[Homeland Security Department]] and approved by former AG [[Loretta Lynch]] so that Veselnitskaya could represent FusionGPS client Denis Katsyv's company, Prevezon Holdings. Veselnitskaya overstayed her immigration parole status so that she could attend the meeting arranged by Fusion GPS associate Rob Goldstone at Trump Tower with Donald Trump Jr.

Simpson’s Russian lobbying work involved passing stories to his deep network of [[journalism]] contacts in order to undermine the Magnitsky Act. Bill Browder, a London banker whom the Russians cheated out of $350  million, confirmed FusionGPS was paid by [[Russia]] through the Katsyv family. The Katsyv family is headed by Pyotr Katsyv, Vice President of ‘Russian Railways’, a huge Russian transportation company, in which the Russian government is the sole shareholder.<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/checking-facts-there-evidence-fusion-gps-was-paid-russia-while-compiling-trump</ref> The Obama FBI and [[DOJ]] ignored Browder's Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) complaint.  

Simpson’s Russian lobbying work involved passing stories to his deep network of [[journalism]] contacts in order to undermine the Magnitsky Act. Bill Browder, a London banker whom the Russians cheated out of $350  million, confirmed FusionGPS was paid by [[Russia]] through the Katsyv family. The Katsyv family is headed by Pyotr Katsyv, Vice President of ‘Russian Railways’, a huge Russian transportation company, in which the Russian government is the sole shareholder.<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/checking-facts-there-evidence-fusion-gps-was-paid-russia-while-compiling-trump</ref> The Obama FBI and [[DOJ]] ignored Browder's Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) complaint.  

Ike Kaveladze<ref>https://ru.linkedin.com/in/ikekaveladze</ref> and FusionGPS operatives Natalia Veselnitskaya,<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-seeks-more-information-pro-russia-lobbyist-present-trump-jr-meeting</ref> and Rinat Akhmetshin<ref>http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rinat-akhmetshin-who-russian-lobbyist-who-met-trump-team-n783161</ref>  met with Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner on June 9.<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/complaint-firm-behind-dossier-former-russian-intel-officer-joined-lobbying-effort</ref> Hours before the Trump Tower meeting, Simpson met with Veselnitskaya and again after.<ref>https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-06/fusion-gps-bank-records-handed-over-may-shed-light-payments-russian-embezzler </ref> Veselnitskaya told [[NBC News]] she received the information she brought to the meeting — describing alleged tax evasion and donations to Democrats — from Simpson.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/07/fusion-gps-official-met-with-russian-operative-before-and-after-trump-jr-sit-down.html </ref><ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-dossier-firm-also-supplied-info-used-meeting-russians-trump-n819526 </ref><ref>https://pjmedia.com/trending/honeypot-confirmed-russian-lawyer-met-with-fusion-gps-before-and-after-meeting-with-trump-camp/ </ref> Veselnitskaya also shared Simpson’s work with Yuri Chaika, the prosecutor general of Russia. FusionGPS hired Christopher Steele to author the ''Steele dossier'' three days after the meeting.<ref>http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/03/how-the-explosive-russian-dossier-was-compiled-christopher-steele</ref><!--???*'''June.''' Civilian(?) From the industry probe(?) into the (2015?) hack finds servers in two Moscow banks (what does this have to do with probe of DNC servers?) (Alfa and Sperbank) directly pinging one server in Trump Tower.-->

Ike Kaveladze<ref>https://ru.linkedin.com/in/ikekaveladze</ref> and FusionGPS operatives Natalia Veselnitskaya,<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-seeks-more-information-pro-russia-lobbyist-present-trump-jr-meeting</ref> and Rinat Akhmetshin<ref>http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rinat-akhmetshin-who-russian-lobbyist-who-met-trump-team-n783161</ref>  met with Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner on June 9.<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/complaint-firm-behind-dossier-former-russian-intel-officer-joined-lobbying-effort</ref> Hours before the Trump Tower meeting, Simpson met with Veselnitskaya and again after.<ref>https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-06/fusion-gps-bank-records-handed-over-may-shed-light-payments-russian-embezzler</ref> Veselnitskaya told [[NBC News]] she received the information she brought to the meeting — describing alleged tax evasion and donations to Democrats — from Simpson.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/07/fusion-gps-official-met-with-russian-operative-before-and-after-trump-jr-sit-down.html</ref><ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-dossier-firm-also-supplied-info-used-meeting-russians-trump-n819526</ref><ref>https://pjmedia.com/trending/honeypot-confirmed-russian-lawyer-met-with-fusion-gps-before-and-after-meeting-with-trump-camp/</ref> Veselnitskaya also shared Simpson’s work with Yuri Chaika, the prosecutor general of Russia. FusionGPS hired Christopher Steele to author the ''Steele dossier'' three days after the meeting.<ref>http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/03/how-the-explosive-russian-dossier-was-compiled-christopher-steele</ref><!--???*'''June.''' Civilian(?) From the industry probe(?) into the (2015?) hack finds servers in two Moscow banks (what does this have to do with probe of DNC servers?) (Alfa and Sperbank) directly pinging one server in Trump Tower.-->

==The insurance policy==

==The insurance policy==

In late June, after former President [[Bill Clinton]]'s meeting with Attn. Gen. [[Loretta Lynch]] on the airport tarmac in [[Phoenix]], the Justice Department sought [[FISA]] warrants to eavesdrop on Donald Trump, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, and Boris Epshteyn. The FISA court denied the initial request.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/443768/obama-fisa-trump-wiretap-may-have-been-sought </ref> It is improbable that the [[Attorney General]] would act on her own against a presidential nominee of another party without consulting [[President Obama]].<ref>https://youtu.be/5CSZKmssG2o</ref> Simultaneously FBI agent Peter Strzok had direct contact with Christopher Steele and received a preliminary draft of the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070 </ref> Former Trump campaign associate Carter Page flew to [[Moscow]] in early July to deliver the graduation commencement speech at the New Economic School, an honor President Obama held in 2009.<ref>https://youtu.be/bu8vI4js_OE</ref> Obama agents used Carter's trip as pretext to obtain a FISA warrant on Page.<ref>https://sharylattkisson.com/when-incidental-intel-collection-isnt-incidental/</ref> After whitewashing the Hillary Clinton investigation, Strzok signed the documents initiating an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the [[2016 presidential election]].

In late June, after former President [[Bill Clinton]]'s meeting with Attn. Gen. [[Loretta Lynch]] on the airport tarmac in [[Phoenix]], the Justice Department sought [[FISA]] warrants to eavesdrop on Donald Trump, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, and Boris Epshteyn. The FISA court denied the initial request.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/443768/obama-fisa-trump-wiretap-may-have-been-sought</ref> It is improbable that the [[Attorney General]] would act on her own against a presidential nominee of another party without consulting [[President Obama]].<ref>https://youtu.be/5CSZKmssG2o</ref> Simultaneously FBI agent Peter Strzok had direct contact with Christopher Steele and received a preliminary draft of the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070</ref> Former Trump campaign associate Carter Page flew to [[Moscow]] in early July to deliver the graduation commencement speech at the New Economic School, an honor President Obama held in 2009.<ref>https://youtu.be/bu8vI4js_OE</ref> Obama agents used Carter's trip as pretext to obtain a FISA warrant on Page.<ref>https://sharylattkisson.com/when-incidental-intel-collection-isnt-incidental/</ref> After whitewashing the Hillary Clinton investigation, Strzok signed the documents initiating an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the [[2016 presidential election]].

In August Strzok's girlfriend, FBI/DOJ lawyer Lisa Page texted Strzok, "[Trump]'s not ever going to become president, right? Right?!" In another exchange Strzok texted, {{Quotebox|"It’s absolutely true that we’re both very fortunate. And of course I’ll try and approach it that way. I just know it will be tough at times. I can protect our country at many levels, not sure if that helps."}} The following week Strzok again sent on ominous and conspiratorial sounding text discussing a contingency being developed to link Russian meddling with allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russian actors: {{Quotebox|"I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andy [McCabe]'s office that there's no way he gets elected -- but I'm afraid we can't take that risk. It's like '''an insurance policy''' in the unlikely event you die before you're 40."<ref>https://www.dailywire.com/news/24643/one-insane-text-message-may-have-just-fatally-ben-shapiro </ref>}}

In August Strzok's girlfriend, FBI/DOJ lawyer Lisa Page texted Strzok, "[Trump]'s not ever going to become president, right? Right?!" In another exchange Strzok texted, {{Quotebox|"It’s absolutely true that we’re both very fortunate. And of course I’ll try and approach it that way. I just know it will be tough at times. I can protect our country at many levels, not sure if that helps."}} The following week Strzok again sent on ominous and conspiratorial sounding text discussing a contingency being developed to link Russian meddling with allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russian actors: {{Quotebox|"I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andy [McCabe]'s office that there's no way he gets elected -- but I'm afraid we can't take that risk. It's like '''an insurance policy''' in the unlikely event you die before you're 40."<ref>https://www.dailywire.com/news/24643/one-insane-text-message-may-have-just-fatally-ben-shapiro</ref>}}

On October 15, 2016 Strzok and DOJ Deputy Bruce Ohr rewrote a narrower request to the FISA court dropping Trump's name and citing only Russian banks as direct targets.<ref>https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2017/03/04/summary-of-media-articles-discussing-obamas-fisa-warrants-to-monitor-candidatepresident-trump/</ref> The Louise Mensch article asserts that a “warrant was granted to look at the full content of [[email]]s and other related documents that may concern US persons.” FISA court approved the request.<ref>https://heatst.com/world/exclusive-fbi-granted-fisa-warrant-covering-trump-camps-ties-to-russia/</ref>

On October 15, 2016 Strzok and DOJ Deputy Bruce Ohr rewrote a narrower request to the FISA court dropping Trump's name and citing only Russian banks as direct targets.<ref>https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2017/03/04/summary-of-media-articles-discussing-obamas-fisa-warrants-to-monitor-candidatepresident-trump/</ref> The Louise Mensch article asserts that a “warrant was granted to look at the full content of [[email]]s and other related documents that may concern US persons.” FISA court approved the request.<ref>https://heatst.com/world/exclusive-fbi-granted-fisa-warrant-covering-trump-camps-ties-to-russia/</ref>

==Steele dossier==

==Steele dossier==

In April 2016 ''[[The Washington Free Beacon]]'' dropped FusionGPS whom they hired to do opposition research on Donald Trump.<ref>'none of the work product that the Free Beacon received appears in the Steele dossier. The Free Beacon had no knowledge of or connection to the Steele dossier, did not pay for the dossier, and never had contact with, knowledge of, or provided payment for any work performed by Christopher Steele. Nor did we have any knowledge of the relationship between Fusion GPS and the Democratic National Committee, Perkins Coie, and the Clinton campaign.</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-free-beacon-responds-to-report-it-funded-fusion-gps-anti-trump-opposition-effort/article/2638855 </ref><ref>http://truepundit.com/new-evidence-shows-mccain-helped-fund-fbi-plot-to-frame-trump-backed-bogus-russian-trump-dossier/ </ref> Attn. Mark E. Elias of Perkins Coie hired FusionGPS to continue the research  on behalf of their clients, the [[2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton campaign]] and [[Democratic National Committee]] two weeks later.<ref>Confessore, Scott Shane, Nicholas; Rosenberg, Matthew (11 January 2017). "How a Sensational, Unverified Dossier Became a Crisis for Donald Trump". The New York Times.</ref> <ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-to-russia-dossier/2017/10/24/226fabf0-b8e4-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.10bece00087f </ref>

In April 2016 ''[[The Washington Free Beacon]]'' dropped FusionGPS whom they hired to do opposition research on Donald Trump.<ref>'none of the work product that the Free Beacon received appears in the Steele dossier. The Free Beacon had no knowledge of or connection to the Steele dossier, did not pay for the dossier, and never had contact with, knowledge of, or provided payment for any work performed by Christopher Steele. Nor did we have any knowledge of the relationship between Fusion GPS and the Democratic National Committee, Perkins Coie, and the Clinton campaign.</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-free-beacon-responds-to-report-it-funded-fusion-gps-anti-trump-opposition-effort/article/2638855</ref><ref>http://truepundit.com/new-evidence-shows-mccain-helped-fund-fbi-plot-to-frame-trump-backed-bogus-russian-trump-dossier/</ref> Attn. Mark E. Elias of Perkins Coie hired FusionGPS to continue the research  on behalf of their clients, the [[2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton campaign]] and [[Democratic National Committee]] two weeks later.<ref>Confessore, Scott Shane, Nicholas; Rosenberg, Matthew (11 January 2017). "How a Sensational, Unverified Dossier Became a Crisis for Donald Trump". The New York Times.</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/clinton-campaign-dnc-paid-for-research-that-led-to-russia-dossier/2017/10/24/226fabf0-b8e4-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.10bece00087f</ref>

In early June 2016 FusionGPS hired Christopher Steele to begin working on the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/03/how-the-explosive-russian-dossier-was-compiled-christopher-steele</ref><!--???*'''June.''' Civilian(?) From the industry probe(?) into the (2015?) hack finds servers in two Moscow banks (what does this have to do with probe of DNC servers?) (Alfa and Sperbank) directly pinging one server in Trump Tower.--> On June 9, 2016 Rinat Akhmetshin<ref>http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rinat-akhmetshin-who-russian-lobbyist-who-met-trump-team-n783161</ref> and Natalia Veselnitskaya,<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-seeks-more-information-pro-russia-lobbyist-present-trump-jr-meeting</ref> in the employ of FusionGPS, and Ike Kaveladze,<ref>https://ru.linkedin.com/in/ikekaveladze</ref> met with Donald Trump Jr. and [[Jared Kushner]]

In early June 2016 FusionGPS hired Christopher Steele to begin working on the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/03/how-the-explosive-russian-dossier-was-compiled-christopher-steele</ref><!--???*'''June.''' Civilian(?) From the industry probe(?) into the (2015?) hack finds servers in two Moscow banks (what does this have to do with probe of DNC servers?) (Alfa and Sperbank) directly pinging one server in Trump Tower.--> On June 9, 2016 Rinat Akhmetshin<ref>http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rinat-akhmetshin-who-russian-lobbyist-who-met-trump-team-n783161</ref> and Natalia Veselnitskaya,<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-seeks-more-information-pro-russia-lobbyist-present-trump-jr-meeting</ref> in the employ of FusionGPS, and Ike Kaveladze,<ref>https://ru.linkedin.com/in/ikekaveladze</ref> met with Donald Trump Jr. and [[Jared Kushner]]

at Trump Tower.<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/complaint-firm-behind-dossier-former-russian-intel-officer-joined-lobbying-effort</ref> On June 20, 2016 Christopher Steele filed his first report entitled ''Company Intelligence Report''.<ref>The report consisted solely if the infamous 'pep-pee' memo. http://thefederalist.com/2018/01/10/10-takeaways-from-glenn-simpsons-fusion-gps-senate-testimony/ </ref> Peter Strzok of the FBI Counterintelligence Division exchanged information with Steele days later.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070</ref>

at Trump Tower.<ref>https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/complaint-firm-behind-dossier-former-russian-intel-officer-joined-lobbying-effort</ref> On June 20, 2016 Christopher Steele filed his first report entitled ''Company Intelligence Report''.<ref>The report consisted solely if the infamous 'pep-pee' memo. http://thefederalist.com/2018/01/10/10-takeaways-from-glenn-simpsons-fusion-gps-senate-testimony/</ref> Peter Strzok of the FBI Counterintelligence Division exchanged information with Steele days later.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/lifting-the-steele-curtain-1510274070</ref>

Throughout July, August and September of 2016 FusionGPS paid [[journalist]]s from the ''[[New York Times]]'', Devlin Barrett of the ''[[Washington Post]]'', [[ABC News]], Ken Dilanian of [[NBC News]], David Corn of ''Mother Jones'', Michael Isikoff of Yahoo! News and others to listen to Christopher Steele and shop the ''Steele dossier'' narrative for mainstream publication. Court papers confirm payments.<ref>http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/fusion-gps-paid-journalists-court-papers-confirm/article/2641454</ref> In August Christopher Steele went to Sir Andrew Wood to ask him to act as a go-between to reach Sen. [[John McCain]], to try to give his fake dossier credibility.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/11/inside-trump-dossier-handoff-mccains-go-between-speaks-out.html</ref>

Throughout July, August and September 2016, FusionGPS paid [[journalist]]s from the ''[[New York Times]]'', Devlin Barrett of the ''[[Washington Post]]'', [[ABC News]], Ken Dilanian of [[NBC News]], David Corn of ''Mother Jones'', Michael Isikoff of Yahoo! News and others to listen to Christopher Steele and shop the ''Steele dossier'' narrative for mainstream publication. Court papers confirm payments.<ref>http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/fusion-gps-paid-journalists-court-papers-confirm/article/2641454</ref> In August Christopher Steele went to Sir Andrew Wood to ask him to act as a go-between to reach Sen. [[John McCain]], to try to give his fake dossier credibility.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/11/inside-trump-dossier-handoff-mccains-go-between-speaks-out.html</ref>

Although the Obama administration illegally kept secret from [[Gang of Eight|Congressional oversight]] the FBI's surveillance of Trump and the Trump organization, on September 23, 2016 the first [[fake news]] story  from the joint Obama FBI/FusionGPS operation appeared in the [[mainstream media]]. A story in Yahoo! News by Michael Isikoff about an FBI briefing for Congress sourced to the FBI and not [[Hillary Clinton]]'s  opposition researchers at FusionGPS or Christopher Steele was based on the contents of the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-s-intel-officials-probe-ties-between-trump-adviser-and-kremlin-175046002.html</ref> Strzok offered to pay Steele to continue work on the fake dossier.

Although the Obama administration illegally kept secret from [[Gang of Eight|Congressional oversight]] the FBI's surveillance of Trump and the Trump organization, on September 23, 2016 the first [[fake news]] story  from the joint Obama FBI/FusionGPS operation appeared in the [[mainstream media]]. A story in Yahoo! News by Michael Isikoff about an FBI briefing for Congress sourced to the FBI and not [[Hillary Clinton]]'s  opposition researchers at FusionGPS or Christopher Steele was based on the contents of the ''Steele dossier''.<ref>https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-s-intel-officials-probe-ties-between-trump-adviser-and-kremlin-175046002.html</ref> Strzok offered to pay Steele to continue work on the fake dossier.

In November 2017 it was reported that Hillary Clinton was again in talks with Christopher Steele to create second dossier of alleged Trump affairs.<ref>

In November 2017 it was reported that Hillary Clinton was again in talks with Christopher Steele to create second dossier of alleged Trump affairs.<ref>

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5056421/Hillary-Clinton-talks-buy-SECOND-dossier-Trump.html </ref>

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5056421/Hillary-Clinton-talks-buy-SECOND-dossier-Trump.html</ref>

By December outrage of the Obama FBI abuses was omnipresent; in seven hours of testimony before House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee (HPSCI) Dep. Dir. Andrew McCabe made statements that contradicted evidence, and was unable to provide any substantive examples of verified allegations in the ''Steele dossier''. When pushed for examples of what was verified in the anti-Trump dossier, McCabe was only able to cite the fact that Trump campaign advisor Carter Page traveled to Moscow — McCabe could not verify anything about the meetings that Page supposedly had. McCabe claimed he could not recall — despite documents with McCabe’s own signature on them establishing the fact of his knowledge of the dossier’s financing and provenance.<ref>https://www.dailywire.com/news/24938/report-mccabe-contradicts-himself-testimony-unable-ryan-saavedra</ref><ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/25/fbi-says-russia-dossiers-collusion-charges-unsubst/</ref>

By December outrage of the Obama FBI abuses was omnipresent; in seven hours of testimony before House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee (HPSCI) Dep. Dir. Andrew McCabe made statements that contradicted evidence, and was unable to provide any substantive examples of verified allegations in the ''Steele dossier''. When pushed for examples of what was verified in the anti-Trump dossier, McCabe was only able to cite the fact that Trump campaign advisor Carter Page traveled to Moscow — McCabe could not verify anything about the meetings that Page supposedly had. McCabe claimed he could not recall — despite documents with McCabe’s own signature on them establishing the fact of his knowledge of the dossier’s financing and provenance.<ref>https://www.dailywire.com/news/24938/report-mccabe-contradicts-himself-testimony-unable-ryan-saavedra</ref><ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/dec/25/fbi-says-russia-dossiers-collusion-charges-unsubst/</ref>