California Senator Adam Schiff criticized the FBI’s recent raid on former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s home, describing it as “clearly retribution.” This statement raises questions about Schiff’s previous comments regarding former President Donald Trump’s criticisms of FBI actions.
The FBI conducted the search on August 25, 2025, as part of an investigation into Bolton’s alleged possession of classified documents. Schiff’s remarks came during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where he was asked whether he believed the investigation should proceed without public interference.
Schiff responded, “I think this is clearly retribution,” suggesting that the federal government is targeting individuals who oppose the president. He elaborated, stating, “Anyone who stands up to the president, anyone who criticizes the president, anyone who says anything adverse to the president’s interest gets the full weight of the federal government brought down on them.”
This statement contrasts sharply with Schiff’s position from August 2022, when he accused Trump of inciting violence against the FBI following the raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. At that time, Schiff claimed that Trump was “stoking” violence by labeling the FBI as corrupt.
In that interview, Schiff stated, “Part of what is responsible is we have the former president really stoking this, calling the FBI corrupt because they searched Mar-a-Lago when it appears they had every reason to do so and more.”
Critics of Schiff argue that his recent comments mirror the same rhetoric he condemned in Trump, suggesting a double standard in his approach to political speech about federal agencies. Some observers have noted that if Trump’s criticisms were deemed unacceptable, then Schiff’s statements about the Bolton raid could also be seen as provocative.
Supporters of Schiff, however, contend that his comments reflect a legitimate concern about the politicization of the FBI and the implications for public trust in federal institutions. They argue that the context of each situation is different, with Schiff emphasizing the systemic nature of the actions taken against those who oppose the current administration.
As the investigation into Bolton continues, the discourse surrounding the FBI’s actions and political speech remains contentious. The implications of these discussions may influence public perception of the FBI and its role in political matters.
The contrasting views highlight the ongoing debate about the boundaries of political rhetoric and its potential impact on public trust in law enforcement agencies.
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