‘Burn bags’: Kash Patel uncovers hidden room with classified Trump–Russia probe documents; declassification underway
FBI director Kash Patel has uncovered a hidden room inside FBI headquarters containing multiple “burn bags” filled with thousands of sensitive and classified documents—some related to the origins of the Trump–Russia probe, according to sources cited by Fox News. The burn bag system is used to destroy documents designated as classified or higher.Among the documents was the classified annex to former special counsel John Durham’s final report, which includes key intelligence that could shed new light on the FBI’s role in launching the controversial Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Declassification is being coordinated by CIA director John Ratcliffe, director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, attorney general Pam Bondi, and acting NSA director William Hartman. Once declassified, the document will be sent to senate judiciary committee chairman Chuck Grassley, who plans to make it public.
FBI linked to Russia narrative before probe
Sources revealed that the annex contains credible foreign intelligence indicating the FBI may have played a role in advancing the Trump–Russia collusion narrative even before launching the Crossfire Hurricane probe. With hindsight, the sources claim the intelligence predicted the bureau’s actions “with alarming specificity.”Soon after assuming leadership at the FBI, Patel discovered the unknown sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) and initiated review of its contents. He told podcast host Joe Rogan that the room, hidden under former FBI director James Comey, was “full of documents and computer hard drives that no one had ever seen or heard of,” as reported by Fox News.Patel has promised a wave of transparency, saying he would release “truckloads” of files related to politically sensitive investigations. He accused former FBI leaders of hiding documentation in secret areas to avoid scrutiny.
Congressional review underway
Patel has turned the documents over to senator Grassley, who is now reviewing the materials. The release of the classified annex and supporting evidence may support Republican claims that intelligence officials sought to influence the 2016 election in favor of Hillary Clinton by targeting Trump’s campaign.
