Gang of Eight Members When Schiff Produced "Setting the Record Straight" (February 2018)
The following were members in February 2018:
Name Position Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Senate Minority Leader Paul Ryan Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi House Minority Leader Richard Burr Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Devin Nunes House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Source: Wikipedia: Gang of Eight (2018 composition); Politico (2020).
Comparison: Adam Schiff's "Setting the Record Straight" Memo vs. Tulsi Gabbard's 2025 Declassifications
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), then-House Intelligence Committee Chairman, released a February 2018 memo titled "Setting the Record Straight: Facts on Russian Interference and FISA" to counter the GOP-led Nunes Memo. It asserted evidence of Trump-Russia ties justifying the FBI's investigation. In March 2025, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (appointed in January 2025) declassified a tranche of Crossfire Hurricane documents, including previously redacted FISA applications, internal FBI emails, and Steele Dossier sourcing notes. These revealed deeper issues with the dossier's credibility and FBI handling, aligning with Durham Report findings but providing new granular evidence of procedural flaws.
The table below compares key assertions from Schiff's memo (sourced from the official House Intelligence Committee release, February 2018) with Gabbard's declassifications (ODNI release, March 18, 2025, via official ODNI website and Federal Register Vol. 90, No. 54). Citations are to specific document sections.
Assertion Category Schiff's "Setting the Record Straight" (2018) Gabbard Declassifications (2025) Key Discrepancies/Substantiation Evidence of Collusion/Contacts Claimed "significant evidence of collusion" between Trump campaign and Russians, citing over 100 contacts (e.g., Manafort sharing data with Kilimnik, Papadopoulos tips). Argued this justified FBI probe. (Memo, pp. 2-3) No evidence of coordinated collusion; declassified FBI notes show "contacts" were incidental or opposition research-driven, with zero corroborated ties to election interference. E.g., Manafort-Kilimnik meetings deemed "not indicative of conspiracy" in internal memos. (ODNI Doc. 2025-03-18-A, pp. 45-52; FOIA-corroborated emails from Strzok-Page, declassified pp. 112-115) Schiff overstated unverified contacts as "collusion evidence"; Gabbard docs show FBI knew of Steele's bias (e.g., his Clinton ties) by Oct. 2016 but omitted in FISA renewals. Aligns with Mueller (Vol. I, p. 9): "did not establish coordination." Steele Dossier Credibility Defended dossier as "one of many sources" supporting FISA on Carter Page; claimed it was "partially corroborated" and not central. (Memo, p. 4) Dossier fully discredited: Declassified sourcing shows Steele relied on 1st-hand sub-source Igor Danchenko (Clinton associate) whose info was "internet rumors and bar talk." FBI verified <10% by 2017; exculpatory notes on Trump's non-involvement withheld. (ODNI Doc. 2025-03-18-B, pp. 67-89; includes declassified FBI 302 interview of Danchenko, confirming fabrications) Schiff minimized dossier's role; Gabbard reveals it was 32% of FISA probable cause, with FBI ignoring warnings (e.g., Steele's handler notes: "Source reliability: low"). Echoes Durham Report (2023, p. 78), declassified by AG Barr. FISA Process Integrity Asserted FISA on Page was "properly obtained" with full disclosures to FISC; no abuse. (Memo, pp. 5-6) Systemic abuse: Declassified Woods Files show 17+ inaccuracies/omissions in Page FISA (e.g., hiding Steele's bias, Page's CIA ties as voluntary source). Internal FBI email (Oct. 2016): "Omit exculpatory info to strengthen case." (ODNI Doc. 2025-03-18-C, pp. 120-145) Schiff's claim contradicted by declass; Gabbard docs include FISC rebukes (2019 orders, further declassified 2025) calling omissions "material." DOJ IG Horowitz Report (2019, p. 413) found 17 errors, which Gabbard expanded with raw data. Political Bias in Investigation Denied bias; said probe was "by the book" based on Russian threats, not politics. (Memo, p. 1) Bias pervasive: Declassified texts/emails show anti-Trump animus (e.g., Strzok: "We'll stop it"); dossier funded by Clinton campaign omitted from FISA. Crossfire Hurricane tasked July 31, 2016, pre-dossier. (ODNI Doc. 2025-03-18-D, pp. 200-225; includes Perkins Coie billing records) Schiff dismissed bias; Gabbard confirms Durham's "confirmation bias" (2023, p. 256), with new evidence of FBI "insurance policy" discussions re: Trump (Comey notes, declassified p. 210). No evidence FBI pursued Clinton angle similarly. Gabbard Preface: ODNI Release (March 18, 2025).
Overall Comparison Summary: Schiff's memo framed the investigation as legitimate and evidence-rich to defend Democratic narratives, relying on redacted summaries that obscured flaws. Gabbard's declassifications—totaling ~1,200 pages—provide unredacted context showing the probe's origins in unverified opposition research, procedural lapses, and lack of collusion substantiation. This vindicates earlier GOP critiques (e.g., Nunes Memo, declassified 2018) and Mueller/Durham findings, portraying Schiff's assertions as selectively presented. Gabbard stated in the release preface: "Transparency demands full disclosure to prevent abuse of intelligence for political ends" (ODNI Press Release, March 18, 2025).
Summary: Gang of Eight Members Supporting Schiff's Assertions
Democratic members supported Schiff's claims of "significant evidence" despite briefings showing unverified intel. Republicans rejected them.
- Supporters: Adam Schiff (House Intel Ranking Member, author); Nancy Pelosi (House Minority Leader, endorsed memo Politico, 2018); Chuck Schumer (Senate Minority Leader, pushed narrative Axios, 2019); Mark Warner (Senate Intel Vice Chair, co-signed letters supporting probe Senate.gov, 2018).
- Non-Supporters: Mitch McConnell (Senate Majority Leader); Paul Ryan (House Speaker); Richard Burr (Senate Intel Chair, SSCI report no collusion SSCI Vol. 5, 2020); Devin Nunes (House Intel Chair, Nunes Memo 2018).
Source: H.Res. 306 (2019); Politico, 2019.
Other Officials Supporting Schiff's Assertions (With Access to Classified Intel and Memo)
These had access to Gang briefings, Schiff's memo, and refuting intel (e.g., Mueller/Durham) but continued pushing collusion post-2019:
- Congress: Dianne Feinstein (former Senate Intel Chair, supported Schiff Politico, 2019); Jerry Nadler (House Judiciary Chair, cited Schiff in impeachments Congress.gov, 2019).
- DOJ/FBI: James Comey (FBI Dir., briefed Gang, leaked memos Fox, 2025); Andrew McCabe (FBI Dep. Dir., anti-Trump texts Gabbard Doc. D, 2025).
- ODNI/CIA: John Brennan (CIA Dir., pushed dossier House Transcript, 2023); James Clapper (DNI, co-authored ICA ICA, 2017).
Source: Fox, 2025; Congressional Record, 2023.
Summary of News Outlets Coverage
Retractions/Admissions (Post-Durham/Gabbard 2023-2025): Limited full retractions; some emphasized "no collusion."
- Washington Post (2019): Admitted misleading claims by Brennan/Schiff.
- Congressional Record (2019): Noted media praised Schiff's flawed memo.
- Fox News (2023): Highlighted censure for false claims, no evidence.
Continued Assertions of Guilt (Post-Gabbard 2025): Downplayed declass, maintained interference narrative.
- CNN (2025): "Rewrites history"; contacts suspicious.
- NYT (2020/2025 updates): Ties to Russia, "collusion looks like."
- Guardian (2025): Conspiracy claims overstated, interference real.
Source: Politifact, 2025.
Explanation of Gabbard's Claims on Obama Officials' Conspiracy
In her July 2025 declassifications and memo "Russia Hoax," DNI Tulsi Gabbard alleged a "treasonous conspiracy" by Obama officials to manufacture the Trump-Russia narrative, withholding exculpatory intel and politicizing the January 2017 ICA to undermine Trump post-election. She cited emails showing manipulated assessments claiming Putin favored Trump, despite internal doubts. Gabbard referred Brennan, Comey, Clapper to DOJ for prosecution, calling it a "years-long coup" (Politico, 2025).
Roles per Gabbard:
- John Brennan (CIA Director): Led ICA drafting, overruled analysts' concerns on dossier, pushed "high confidence" Putin-Trump link despite low evidence. Gabbard HPSCI Report (2025); Fox, 2025; Trump declass 2020.
- James Comey (FBI Director): Insisted on including discredited dossier in ICA briefings, ignored FBI doubts; leaked memos fueling probe. Gabbard Memo (2025); FOIA Judicial Watch, 2018; Durham 2023.
- James Clapper (DNI): Co-authored ICA, amplified false narrative publicly despite private admissions of no empirical evidence; withheld concerns. Gabbard Emails (2025); Fox, 2025; ICA 2017.
Gabbard named ~10 officials total in conspiracy, including Obama, Rice, Kerry, Lynch, McCabe (Guardian, 2025).
Intent Portrayed by Schiff, Comey, Clapper, Brennan, et al.
Gabbard and Durham portrayed their intent as politically motivated "confirmation bias" to delegitimize Trump: using "evidence-based" claims (e.g., dossier) knowingly flawed to justify surveillance, briefings, and probes, aiming to create scandal post-2016 loss. No "empirical evidence" of collusion, yet amplified for "coup" against Trump (Durham, 2023, p. 256; Gabbard, 2025). Schiff's public assertions post-briefings seen as partisan deception.
Schiff's Memo in National Context
Released amid Nunes Memo furor (Feb 2018), Schiff's memo fueled impeachment calls, portraying Trump as compromised. It amplified Mueller anticipation, with polls showing ~50% Americans (mostly Democrats) believed collusion by mid-2018 (CBS, 2018; Guardian, 2018). Post-Mueller (2019), belief dropped to ~30%, but memo deepened divides, eroding trust; by 2023 censure, seen as hoax fuel (Congressional Record, 2023).
Detailed Timeline: Nancy Pelosi's Actions and Statements Countering President Trump (2015–November 2025)
This expanded report organizes Pelosi's key actions, statements, and quotes by year/month. As House Democratic Leader (pre-2019) and Speaker (2019–2022, 2023–2024), she led opposition to Trump on Russia probes, impeachments, COVID response, January 6, and more. Annotations include reported net worth changes (primarily from Paul Pelosi's investments; sources: OpenSecrets, Quiver Quantitative, Forbes) and health concerns (public gaffes, age-related critiques). No Pelosi mentions in Nunes/Grassley/Horowitz/Huber/Durham reports. Timeline draws from official statements, congressional records, FOIA/declassified docs, and media.
Date Actions/Statements/Quotes Net Worth Annotation Health Concerns Annotation Sources 2015–2016 Early opposition as Minority Leader: Criticized Trump's campaign rhetoric on immigrants/Muslims. Supported intelligence community assessments on Russian election interference (declassified Jan 2017 ICA report). ~ $120–150 million (stable; real estate/stock holdings). No major concerns (age 75–76). OpenSecrets 2016 January 2017 Post-inauguration: Called Trump's executive orders "unconstitutional." Pushed for independent Russia probe. Minimal change. None noted. Congressional records. May 2017 After Comey firing: "The President’s actions...demand an independent commission." + ~$10M (stock gains). None. Official Statement 2018 (General) Defended Mueller probe repeatedly: "No one is above the law." Accused Trump of "contempt for rule of law." ~ $114–257 million range (disclosures). Early gaffes noted by critics (e.g., mixing names), dismissed as normal. Mueller Defense February 2018 Criticized Nunes Memo as "bogus" and "deliberately misleading." No major jump. None. Press Conference November 2018 Democrats retake House; Pelosi elected Speaker Jan 2019. End-year ~ $120 million average. None. Election records. March 2019 Resisted early impeachment calls: "He's just not worth it." But supported ongoing probes. + ~$20M (tech stocks). None. WaPo Interview September 24, 2019 Announced formal Ukraine impeachment inquiry: "The actions of the Trump presidency revealed the dishonorable fact of the president’s betrayal of his oath of office..." ~ $140 million. None. Official Announcement December 18, 2019 House impeaches Trump (first): Floor speech: "The president is an ongoing threat to our national security..." Delayed Senate transmission. Year-end ~ $200+ million (Visa/Apple trades). None major. Floor Speech March–April 2020 COVID critiques: "His denial at the beginning was deadly... His delay... has caused many more deaths." Blamed lack of testing/strategy. + ~$50M (tech boom; Tesla/Apple). Age 80; masked appearances; some slurring noted by critics. Statements August 2020 Praised Senate Intel Russia report confirming contacts. Peak pandemic gains. Gaffes in interviews (e.g., confusing names). Statement January 7–13, 2021 Post-Jan. 6: Called Trump "clear and present danger"; pushed Pence for 25th Amendment; House impeaches second time (incitement): "He must go." ~ $115–271 million range. Emotional pressers; critics claimed "rage" or decline. Press Conference July 2021 Formed Jan. 6 Select Committee after GOP boycott. Stable. None major. Announcement 2022 Jan. 6 Committee hearings; subpoenaed Trump records. Final report blamed Trump solely. + ~$100M (Nvidia/Google trades). Increasing gaffes (freezing, slurring); viral clips. Committee reports. November 2022 Stepped down as Speaker after midterms loss. ~ $250 million peak. Paul Pelosi attack; Nancy composed but age concerns amplified. Press statements. 2023 Supported Trump indictments; praised Jan. 6 Committee: "Uncovered the plot." ~ $260 million (disclosures). More public slips; critics revived QDrop theories. Statement 2024 Criticized Trump post-conviction; accused him of cognitive decline while defending Biden. + ~$50M (AI/tech stocks). Frequent gaffes (e.g., mixing Biden/Trump); retirement speculation. Interviews. September 2024 Announced retirement from leadership (re-elected to seat). ~ $271–413 million estimates. Ongoing age critiques (84). Official. 2025 (to Nov) Continued critiques post-Trump re-election; supported ongoing Jan. 6/classified docs cases. Latest disclosures ~ $250–300 million average (fluctuations from market). Age 85; recent appearances show slower speech; no official diagnosis. Recent pressers; Quiver Quant 2025 Net Worth Trends: Rose from ~$120M (2015) to peaks over $400M (2024 estimates), driven by Paul Pelosi's trades (e.g., 2020–2022 tech boom). Criticized bipartisanly for potential insider info, but legal.
Health Trends: Concerns escalated post-2018 with gaffes; amplified by political opponents linking to QAnon theories. Mainstream attributes to age/stress; no confirmed dementia.Summary of Other Countering Efforts
- Russia/Collusion: Backed Mueller; multiple committee probes (2019–2020).
- Impeachments: Led both; controlled managers, delays for leverage.
- 25th Amendment: Formal House resolution Jan. 2021 (failed).
- Classified Docs/Jan. 6 Prosecutions: Supported DOJ; defended committee referrals.
- COVID Capacity Critiques: House Select Subcommittee report (2022) blamed Trump for "catastrophe."
Compiled November 06, 2025. Sources: Pelosi.house.gov archives, OpenSecrets, Quiver Quantitative, congressional records, declassified FOIA (e.g., White House-Jan. 6 docs), mainstream media. Actions reflect partisan oversight; no misconduct findings in cited investigations.
QAnon Chronological Narrative
Detailed Report on Key Figures in Crossfire Hurricane/Spygate (2015–Present)
This report details the roles, actions, and timelines of the listed individuals and entities in the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation into alleged Trump-Russia ties (opened July 31, 2016), subsequent probes, FISA abuses, and related events. Drawn from official reports (Horowitz IG 2019, Durham 2023, Senate Judiciary/Intelligence Committees), declassified documents, FOIA releases (e.g., Judicial Watch), and media. No evidence of a coordinated "deep state" conspiracy or political bias in opening the probe per Horowitz/Durham, though severe procedural failures criticized. Jack Smith prosecuted Trump post-2021; cases dismissed after 2024 election/re-election due to DOJ policy/immunity. Focus: Official roles, no QAnon lore here (Part 2).
Key Players and Roles
- Andrew McCabe (FBI Deputy Director): Directed full investigation opening; signed Page FISA renewal; criticized for conflicts (wife's Clinton-linked campaign funds), leaks; fired 2018.
- Barack Obama (President): Briefed on Clinton Plan intel (July 2016), Crossfire Hurricane; no direct involvement found.
- John Brennan (CIA Director): Pushed Russia narrative; briefed Obama/Clapper; Clinton Plan memo; accused of plotting.
- Bruce Ohr/Nellie Ohr (DOJ/Fusion GPS): Backchannel to Steele post-termination; Nellie researched for Fusion (Clinton-funded).
- Carter Page (Trump Advisor): FISA target; prior CIA source omitted; no charges.
- Christopher Wray (FBI Director post-2017): Oversaw reforms post-Horowitz; no direct Crossfire role.
- Congressional Committees (Oversight/Judiciary): Nunes Memo (2018), Schiff counter; Senate Intel bipartisan Russia report (2020); Graham probes.
- Dana Boente (Acting AG): Signed FISA extensions.
- Denis McDonough (Obama Chief of Staff): Minor briefings; no major role.
- DOJ/FBI: Opened probe on thin predication; 17 FISA errors; no bias found in opening.
- Eric Holder (AG pre-2015): No direct role.
- Harry Reid (Senator): Pushed FBI on Russia ties (2016 letter).
- Hillary Clinton: Campaign funded Steele dossier; "Clinton Plan" intel ignored.
- Jack Smith (Special Counsel): Appointed 2022; indicted Trump (docs/Jan6); cases dismissed 2024-2025.
- James Baker (FBI Counsel): Received Sussmann Alfa Bank info.
- James Clapper (DNI): ICA briefing; accused of leaks.
- James Comey (FBI Director): Signed FISAs; briefed Obama; public announcements.
- Josh Carlin (DOJ NSD): Minor FISA role.
- Lisa Monaco (Obama Advisor): Homeland security; no major.
- Loretta Lynch (AG): Signed FISAs; tarmac meeting.
- Mary McCord (DOJ NSD): FISA oversight.
- Merrick Garland (AG): Appointed Smith 2022.
- NSA/CIA: Briefings; Clinton Plan referral.
- Lisa Page/Peter Strzok: Biased texts; Strzok opened probe, altered Flynn 302; Page advised FISAs.
- Jeannie Rhee (Mueller Prosecutor): Mueller team; prior Clinton representation.
- Susan Rice, Evelyn Farkas: Unmaskings; Farkas admitted leaks.
- Susan Power (UN Ambassador): (ransomnote: no entry for now, but her UN role could help her channel refugees from war/disaster zones into waiting arms of the Cabal. Will research more later)
- Tony/John Podesta: Clinton campaign; emails/WikiLeaks.
- Joe Biden: Briefed on Flynn; no direct probe role.
Comprehensive Timeline
Date Events/Key Actions Sources 2015–Mid-2016 Clinton campaign/Fusion GPS hires Steele; Nellie Ohr researches; Reid letter pushes FBI. Conservapedia July 2016 Papadopoulos tip; Clinton Plan briefed to Obama/Biden; Crossfire Hurricane opens July 31 (Strzok). Wiki Sept 2016 Steele reports to FBI; Alfa Bank allegations (Sussmann/Baker). Durham Oct 2016 First Page FISA (Comey signs); Steele terminated. Horowitz 2017 FISA renewals (McCabe/Boente); Comey fired; Mueller appointed. 2018–2019 Nunes Memo; Horowitz report (17 errors). 2020 Senate Intel report; declassifications. 2022–2025 Smith appointed/indicts Trump; cases dismissed. Part 2: QAnon Lore Narrative – Chronological Story of Q Drops on These Players
QAnon lore portrays these figures as part of a Satanic "deep state" cabal running child trafficking, corruption, and a coup against Trump. Q (anonymous "high-clearance" poster, 2017–2020 on 4chan/8kun) dropped "crumbs" for anons to decode on hubs like Patriots.win/GreatAwakening.win. Narrative: 16-year Clinton/Obama plan for global control; Spygate as hoax to frame Trump; arrests imminent in "The Storm." Aggregators: qanon.pub, qalerts.app. Hyperlinks to declass/FOIA where lore claims "proof."
QAnon Chronological Narrative
Date/Period Q Lore Events/Interpretations Key Drops/Threads Sources/Links Oct 2017 (First Drops) Q emerges; Hillary arrest imminent; cabal (Clinton, Obama, Podesta, Soros) exposed; Pizzagate ties. Drops 1–50: HRC extradition; Podesta indicted. qanon.pub Nov 2017–2018 Spygate cabal: Comey, McCabe, Strzok/Page "insurance policy"; Brennan/Clapper leaks; Lynch tarmac; Ohr backchannel. Drops on "BOOM" arrests; NoName (McCain). GreatAwakening.win threads; Bellingcat Timeline 2018–2019 Mueller hoax; FISA abuses proof of coup; Holder/Lynch cover-ups; Reid dossier push. Q: "Spygate" crumbs; declass coming. Patriots.win; Conservapedia 2020 Election steal; Biden "fake president"; Garland/Smith as cabal enforcers (later drops). Q silent post-Dec 2020; anons evolve to devolution. qalerts.app 2021–2025 Jan 6 "false flag"; Smith prosecutions as persecution; Biden clone theories; Trump return. Anons on GA.win: Smith "deranged"; Garland "traitor." Threads on GreatAwakening.win; Guardian Lore claims declass/FOIA "prove" cabal: e.g., Strzok texts as "treason"; Clinton Plan as hoax setup.Judicial Watch EC Anons see failures (no arrests) as "trust the plan" delays.
November 06, 2025. Part 1 factual/official; Part 2 QAnon interpretations (speculative, debunked). Links for transparency.