5 takeaways from fbi agent peter strzok’s explosive congressional

In an explosive, hourslong congressional hearing Thursday , FBI agent Peter Strzok was defiant as Republicans unleashed blistering attacks, saying his anti-Trump sentiment — captured in personal text messages — is evidence of bias at the Justice Department. Democrats threw their support behind Strzok with gusto. At one point, Democratic Rep. He was removed from the Russia investigation last year after the texts were discovered.

But House Republicans remain unconvinced. Finally able to defend himself after months of angry criticism from President Donald Trump and Republicans, Strzok was mostly unapologetic.

STRZOK IS DEFIANT · HE SAYS HE'S NOT BIASED AGAINST TRUMP.

He defended himself forcefully and doubled down on some of his most controversial comments in the texts, which he exchanged with FBI lawyer Lisa Page during the presidential campaign. Strzok and Page were having an extramarital affair at the time. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, got personal, calling out his relationship with Page, which was noted in the inspector general report.

Strzok expressed little regret for the most controversial text exchange with Page. But while reinforcing his dislike for Trump, Strzok repeated several times that he did not believe that the messages showed bias, to the frustration and disbelief of Republicans. He said bias means that you let those opinions get in the way of the work, and he did not do that.

The hearing represented a public culmination of a monthslong campaign by House Republicans who are critical of the Justice Department and FBI. Republicans yelled at Strzok and pointed fingers at him, making it clear they did not believe him. California Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas.