Fact-Check Summary
The claim that “documents reveal James Comey associate leaked classified information to the NYT” misstates the findings of multiple official investigations. The Department of Justice Inspector General (OIG) determined that James Comey shared a memo with his associate, Daniel Richman, who provided its content to The New York Times. However, this particular memo did not contain classified information, though it was considered an official FBI record and “For Official Use Only.” While other Comey memos did include classified material, these were not shared with the NYT. Official reports and recent disclosures reveal the use of back channels for information sharing, some of which involved classified information among attorneys or government staff, but not in the case of the memo provided to the Times. Thus, the post’s core claim regarding classified information is unsubstantiated based on currently available evidence.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The post employs accusatory and oversimplified language, painting a misleading picture of serious wrongdoing without offering full context. It conflates policy violations involving official records with the unlawful disclosure of classified information, undermining nuanced, fact-based civic discourse. This approach diminishes public trust in democratic institutions by encouraging division and suspicion rather than promoting transparency, civility, and constructive democratic debate.
Opinion
While James Comey and his associate did utilize unauthorized channels to share internal FBI information with the press, there is no substantiated evidence that classified information was leaked to The New York Times as claimed. Responsible public discourse demands rigorous adherence to facts, precise language, and respect for due process—especially when discussing sensitive matters that impact public trust and national security.
TLDR
Comey’s associate shared a memo with The New York Times, but the memo was not classified. The claim overstates the facts and ignores essential context from multiple official investigations.
Claim: Documents reveal James Comey associate leaked classified information to the NYT
Fact: The DOJ OIG found that while Comey’s associate shared a memo with the NYT, the memo was not classified—though it did violate FBI protocols regarding official records. Other memos shared with legal counsel did contain classified material, but these were not leaked to the media.
Opinion: The post exaggerates the facts by conflating separate issues of policy violation and classified leaks, distorting the public record.
TruthScore: 5
True: Comey used an associate to share a memo with the NYT; the use of back channels and unauthorized information sharing is documented.
Hyperbole: The claim that classified information was leaked to the NYT overstates the established facts.
Lies: No evidence supports that classified information was disclosed to the NYT as claimed.