Two former FBI officials have settled lawsuits with the Justice Department, resolving claims that their privacy rights were violated when text messages they exchanged disparaging former President Donald Trump were leaked to the news media. Peter Strzok, a former top counterintelligence agent, settled his case for $1.2 million, while FBI lawyer Lisa Page reached a separate settlement of $800,000.
The lawsuits stemmed from a 2017 incident in which officials shared copies of text messages between Strzok and Page with reporters. The messages included derogatory remarks about Trump, with descriptions such as 'idiot' and 'loathsome human,' as well as expressing fear over the prospect of a Trump victory.
Strzok, who was involved in the investigation into Russian election interference and the probe into Hillary Clinton's email server, was fired after the text messages became public. Page resigned from her position. Both former officials alleged that the leaked texts were part of an effort to push a false narrative of anti-Trump bias within the FBI and to curry favor with the Trump administration.
Justice Department inspector general reports found no evidence that partisan bias influenced investigative decisions in the Clinton email and Trump-Russia investigations. Strzok has also sued the department over his termination, claiming his firing was a result of political pressure and a violation of his First Amendment rights.
Strzok's lawyer hailed the settlement as a step toward addressing the government's treatment of his client and protecting the privacy of government employees. Page expressed relief at the outcome and emphasized the importance of ensuring that justice institutions do not politicize the lives of their employees.
The Justice Department declined to comment on the settlements. Attorneys for Page stated that the release of the text messages to the press in 2017 was politically motivated and unlawful.
