Newly declassified FBI documents are fueling debate over whether former FBI Director James Comey directed leaks to the press during the height of the Trump-Russia investigation.

The records, released this week and first highlighted by investigative journalist Catherine Herridge, describe a 2017 leak inquiry code-named “Tropic Vortex.”

According to one memo, then-FBI General Counsel James Baker told investigators he had disclosed classified information to The New York Times “under the belief he was ultimately instructed and authorized to do so by then FBI Director James Comey.” Baker said he understood those instructions had been relayed through FBI Chief of Staff James Rybicki.

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Herridge posted excerpts of the documents on social media, writing: “Pay Special Attention Page 1 FBI Leak Investigation ‘Tropic Vortex’ Was a Criminal Referral. Allegation is that disclosure of classified information to reporters was ‘authorized’ by @Comey.” She added, “As FBI Director, Comey would know whether his actions violated 18 USC 1924 which criminalizes mishandling classified documents.”

Special counsel John Durham’s report on the investigation later recommended no prosecution of Baker or others involved, according to the memo. But the records describe what was termed a “potentially unauthorized disclosure to the news media which appeared to be at the impi( ) of Comey” in response to then-President Donald Trump’s March 2017 tweet alleging that wires were tapped at Trump Tower.

 

Herridge reported that the documents “cast doubt on Comey’s testimony,” noting that under oath in 2017, he claimed he had never been a leaker nor authorized anyone at the FBI to be a source for anonymous news reports.

Comey categorically denied leaking any information.

When asked by Iowa’s Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, “Have you ever been an anonymous source in news reports about matters relating to the Trump investigation or the Clinton Investigation?” Comey responded succinctly, “Never.”

The records also confirm that Comey used a Columbia University law professor to transmit at least one of his memos about private conversations with Trump to the press.

The revelations are the latest in a series of declassifications concerning the early stages of the Russia investigation. Earlier this month, Herridge reported on FBI summaries that cited alleged leaks from Democratic members of the House Intelligence Committee, including Representatives Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, claims both men have denied, The Dallas Express reported.

DX has previously reported that language linking Russia, elections, and “critical infrastructure” spiked in the media beginning in mid-2016, around the same time a declassified email tied to George Soros affiliates surfaced that suggested those themes could be used in political messaging.

The FBI has not commented publicly on the documents posted by Herridge.

The 21 pages of records Herridge cited were declassified by the FBI Director, Kash Patel, who has been releasing hundreds of pages of Russia investigation files this summer.