Brennan has no problem with probe into Russia investigation extending into 2021

Former CIA director John Brennan said Sunday he did not object to U.S. Attorney John Durham’s probe into the origin of the FBI’s Russia investigation extending into next year.

“I have no problems with it, I do believe John Durham is going to carry out his responsibilities ably and without any political influence,” Brennan said on “Fox News Sunday.”

Attorney General William Barr last week named Durham a special counsel under the same statute by which Robert Mueller was appointed. Although incoming presidents typically replace all U.S. attorneys, the appointment would mean President-elect Joe Biden’s eventual attorney general would have to fire Durham to remove him.

Fox’s Chris Wallace questioned Brennan, a vocal critic of President Trump, on whether his frequent criticisms of the president were appropriate, including accusing Trump of treason.

Brennan conceded that there were “mistakes made” in the investigation of the president’s 2016 campaign, particularly in an application for surveillance of aide Carter Page, but maintained there was no spying on the campaign.

Although special counsel Robert Mueller was unable to definitively establish a conspiracy between Russia and the campaign, he added, “I think it was quite evident and clear that there was excessive interaction that should not have happened and that was why the FBI was investigating.”

“Didn’t you lend credence to President Trump’s argument that there is a ‘deep state’ within the intelligence community working against him?” Wallace asked.

Brennan countered that he has been a private citizen for his criticism of the president, adding “Yes, I have been strident in my criticism of him but his irresponsibility on so many fronts, including on COVID, has angered me.”