The Department of Justice has reached settlements with former FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page over claims that their privacy rights were violated through the unauthorized release of their critical text messages about former President Donald Trump. Strzok will receive $1.2 million, while Page will receive $800,000.
Strzok, a former counterintelligence agent, and Page, a former FBI lawyer, argued that their dismissal and the subsequent exposure of their messages were politically motivated. Strzok, who was fired in 2018, claimed that his termination was a retaliatory act that violated his First Amendment rights. Page also alleged that the publication of her messages breached the Federal Privacy Act.
The Justice Department settled the cases to avoid further legal proceedings and potential litigation costs, though it did not admit to any wrongdoing. Attorney General Merrick Garland indicated that the settlements were based on an assessment of the legal risks and costs associated with continuing the lawsuits.
Critics, including House Republicans, have argued that the settlements effectively reward the former officials and criticized the DOJ’s handling of the situation. They contend that the settlements suggest a politically motivated decision and raise concerns about the implications for future government employees.
The text messages exchanged between Strzok and Page, which criticized Trump and discussed their concerns about his potential presidency, were made public in December 2017. These messages became a focal point in allegations of FBI bias during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The settlement agreements were reached after legal motions were filed to question Trump and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray under oath. Despite the resolution, the controversy surrounding the cases continues to spark debate about political influence and government accountability.
Perspective of Strzok and Page:
Claim:
Strzok and Page argue that their privacy rights were violated by the release of their text messages, which were politically charged and critical of former President Trump. They contend that their dismissals and the subsequent exposure of their messages were retaliatory actions influenced by partisan politics. Strzok claims his termination violated his free speech and due process rights, while Page asserts that the publication of her messages constituted a breach of the Federal Privacy Act
Arguments:
Strzok’s lawyer argues that the settlements and ongoing litigation aim to address unfair treatment and protect future public servants from politically motivated adverse actions. Page’s statement expresses hope that the case will prevent future political interference in employees’ lives
Perspective of the Justice Department and Critics:
Claim:
The Justice Department settled the lawsuits to avoid further legal proceedings and potential costs, without admitting wrongdoing. Critics, including House Republicans, argue that the settlements reward Strzok and Page for their actions and criticize the DOJ for allegedly politically motivated decisions
Arguments:
The DOJ’s position, as stated by Attorney General Merrick Garland, is that the settlements were based on the legal assessment of the case’s merits and the potential cost of litigation. Critics argue that the settlements appear to validate claims of unfair treatment and politicized motives, fueling further controversy.
Fox Broadcasting Company:
DOJ settles with former FBI officials over release of anti-Trump texts
Washington Post:
Justice Dept. settles with ex-FBI officials over leak of anti-Trump texts