They Got Fined, But Didn't Get Charged For A 'Clerical Error' ... Yeah Right ...
FEC fines Hillary Clinton campaign and Democratic Party, clears "Steele dossier" author of wrongdoing
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FEC Fines Hillary Clinton Campaign and DNC, Clears Steele Dossier Author of Wrongdoing
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has issued fines to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for improperly reporting funds used to finance the controversial "Steele dossier." Meanwhile, the agency cleared Christopher Steele, the former British intelligence officer who authored the dossier, of any wrongdoing.
The rulings mark the latest development in the years-long saga surrounding the dossier, which played a significant role in the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. The FEC’s actions have reignited debates about campaign finance violations, political opposition research, and the broader implications for future elections.
Background: The Steele Dossier and Its Role in the 2016 Election
The Steele dossier was a collection of memos compiled by Christopher Steele, a former MI6 officer, through his private intelligence firm, Orbis Business Intelligence. The research was initially funded by the conservative website *The Washington Free Beacon* during the Republican primary but was later picked up by the Clinton campaign and the DNC through the law firm Perkins Coie.
The dossier contained explosive—and largely unverified—claims about Donald Trump’s connections to Russia, including allegations of compromising personal and financial dealings. These reports were later used by the FBI to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant to monitor former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.
Republicans have long argued that the dossier was part of a politically motivated effort to undermine Trump’s campaign, while Democrats have maintained that it was a legitimate part of opposition research. The FEC’s recent rulings add a new layer to this contentious history.
FEC Findings: Clinton Campaign and DNC Fined for Misreporting Funds
The FEC concluded that the Clinton campaign and the DNC violated campaign finance laws by failing to accurately disclose payments made to Perkins Coie, which then funneled money to Fusion GPS, the opposition research firm that hired Steele.
Key findings from the FEC include:
- Misreporting Expenses: The Clinton campaign and DNC classified payments to Perkins Coie as "legal services" rather than opposition research, obscuring the true purpose of the funds.
- Lack of Transparency: By not properly disclosing the nature of the payments, the entities violated FEC rules requiring detailed reporting of expenditures.
- Fines Imposed: The Clinton campaign was fined $8,000, and the DNC was fined $105,000—a relatively modest penalty given the scale of the spending involved.
The FEC’s decision was the result of a complaint filed by the conservative group Coolidge Reagan Foundation in 2018. While the fines are not substantial, the ruling confirms that the Clinton campaign and DNC misrepresented their spending, reinforcing Republican criticisms of their handling of the dossier.
Christopher Steele Cleared of Wrongdoing
Despite the penalties imposed on the Clinton campaign and DNC, the FEC dismissed complaints against Christopher Steele and Fusion GPS, finding no evidence that they violated campaign finance laws.
The FEC determined that:
- Steele was a subcontractor for Fusion GPS and had no direct involvement with the Clinton campaign or DNC.
- Opposition research is a legal activity, and Steele’s work did not constitute an illegal campaign contribution.
- There was no proof that Steele knowingly participated in any reporting violations.
This aspect of the ruling has frustrated conservatives who argue that Steele played a central role in spreading what they claim was false information. However, the FEC’s jurisdiction is limited to campaign finance violations, not the accuracy of the dossier’s contents.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The FEC’s decision has drawn sharp reactions from both sides of the political aisle:
Republican Criticism
- Republicans have seized on the ruling as evidence of Democratic misconduct during the 2016 election.
- Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) called it "a slap on the wrist for a massive cover-up."
- Trump allies argue that the dossier was part of a broader "witch hunt" against his campaign.
Democratic Response
- Democrats downplay the significance of the fines, noting that opposition research is a standard practice in politics.
- Some legal analysts argue that the reporting errors were minor and not indicative of malicious intent.
Broader Impact on Campaign Finance and Opposition Research
The FEC’s actions could have lasting implications for how campaigns report opposition research spending. Moving forward, political committees may face stricter scrutiny over how they categorize expenditures to avoid similar penalties.
Additionally, the ruling may fuel ongoing debates about the role of intelligence contractors in elections and whether stricter regulations are needed to ensure transparency.
Conclusion:
The FEC’s fines against the Clinton campaign and DNC, coupled with its clearance of Christopher Steele, represent a partial resolution to one of the most contentious subplots of the 2016 election. While the penalties are minor, they validate long-standing Republican claims that the funding of the Steele dossier was mishandled. At the same time, the dismissal of complaints against Steele leaves unresolved questions about the dossier’s credibility and its impact on U.S. politics.
As the 2024 election approaches, the legacy of the Steele dossier continues to loom large, serving as a cautionary tale about the intersection of intelligence, opposition research, and campaign finance. The FEC’s rulings may not be the final word on the matter, but they add another chapter to a story that remains deeply polarizing in American politics.