In rare statement, FBI warns of 'grave concerns' surrounding GOP's potential release of Nunes memo

FBI Crest.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

In a rare public statement, the FBI said Wednesday that it has "grave concerns about material omissions of fact that fundamentally impact" the accuracy of a secret memo backed by Republicans. The memo, which was compiled by GOP staffers for House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), reportedly accuses FBI and Justice Department officials of abusing surveillance laws to get court permission to surveil President Trump's campaign adviser Carter Page.

Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee voted to release the document Monday. The FBI said it was "provided a limited opportunity to review this memo the day before the committee voted to release it." Democrats have argued that the memo is misleading, could compromise intelligence sources and methods, and aims to undercut the Russia investigation.

President Trump has three days left to review the memo and decide if he should block its release. Read the FBI's full statement below. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.