Newly filed court documents show that former FBI Director James Comey wrote a 2016 note referencing “HRC plans to tie Trump” and “HRC health,” which investigators discovered earlier this year locked inside a long-unused FBI safe.
The handwritten note, dated September 26, 2016, was found by an internal review team in early 2025, according to new evidence in the Justice Department’s criminal case against Comey.
The note, written on FBI letterhead from Comey’s director’s desk, was dated just weeks before the 2016 election and 19 days after the CIA sent Comey an investigative referral regarding intelligence that Hillary Clinton’s campaign had approved a plan to link then-candidate Donald Trump to Russia.
Prosecutors allege that Comey later concealed this referral and other related materials, obstructing internal and congressional investigations.
A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, indicted Comey on September 25 on one count of making false statements and another of obstruction of justice.
The charges stem from alleged efforts to mislead investigators about the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive probes into both presidential candidates in the final months before the 2016 election.
According to the filings, the note was discovered inside Room 9582, a secure compartmented information facility (SCIF) at FBI headquarters that had not been accessed for years.
The internal team that located it was assigned to reform the bureau’s records and classification procedures following whistleblower complaints in early 2025.
The filing says the room was “seemingly unused” until a sudden burst of activity around the week of President Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.
The discovery of Comey’s note came alongside the original Counterintelligence Operational Lead (CIOL) — the CIA document that alerted the FBI in September 2016 to Clinton’s alleged campaign plan.
The team also recovered access logs showing that Room 9582 experienced an unusual increase in entries and data transfers during the days surrounding the presidential transition, raising questions about who entered the facility and what materials were handled.
The court record includes an internal memo from July 21, 2025, showing that the FBI’s Public Corruption Unit formally requested an investigation into the concealment or removal of documents related to both the Clinton and Trump inquiries.
The memo stated that the missing CIA referral had originally been stored in a filing closet adjacent to the FBI director’s office before being moved to Room 9582.
The documents also contradict Comey’s 2020 Senate testimony, in which he claimed no knowledge of the so-called “Clinton plan intelligence.” During a Judiciary Committee hearing on September 30, 2020, Comey said the allegation “doesn’t ring any bells with me.”
The newly filed exhibits also reference the discovery of five burn bags found on the floor of the same FBI secure facility.
Those bags reportedly contained hundreds of pages of documents related to Crossfire Hurricane, the bureau’s 2016 counterintelligence investigation into alleged Trump-Russia ties.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who ordered the internal review, confirmed the discovery in June and later authorized the declassification of several materials, including the previously unreleased classified appendix of the Durham Special Counsel Report.
The Justice Department filing describes the combination of hidden records, delayed disclosures, and handwritten notes as evidence of “a broader pattern of concealment” by senior FBI officials. It asserts that Comey’s notations “corroborate the existence of contemporaneous awareness of the Clinton plan intelligence and suggest an effort to obscure that awareness from oversight entities.”
Legal analysts say the handwritten note could prove significant in the government’s obstruction case, depending on whether prosecutors can demonstrate intent to conceal or destroy records. The filings suggest investigators are also reviewing whether others within the FBI knowingly participated in removing or sequestering materials related to both the Clinton email probe and the Trump-Russia investigation.
The DOJ filing concludes that “taken together, these records reinforce a fact pattern of alleged obstruction and broader conspiracy” within the upper levels of the FBI during the 2016 election period.
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, political analysts and pundits are increasingly speculating that the Democratic Party is at a crossroads—one that could determine its future for decades to come.With internal divisions, challenges to its leadership, and shifting public sentiment, the once-dominant party may find itself facing an existential crisis come 2026 if it fails to adapt to the changing political landscape.The prospect of the Democratic Party collapsing—or at the very least, undergoing a profound transformation—is a real possibility if party leaders do not address the growing concerns from both the left and right of the political spectrum.The Democratic Party has long been a dominant force in American politics, but the cracks in its foundation are becoming more apparent with each election cycle.
With internal factions struggling for control and a rapidly changing electorate, the future of the party is now in serious jeopardy. The following explores how the Democrats could be on the verge of a significant decline if they do not take drastic steps to reinvent themselves in the coming years.One of the most significant challenges facing the Democratic Party today is its growing internal division. As the political landscape shifts, so too does the ideology of the party.On one side, there are the progressive elements, led by figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren, who advocate for a more left-wing, socialist-inspired agenda.
On the other side, there are more centrist Democrats, including Joe Biden and figures like Senator Joe Manchin, who push for more pragmatic, moderate policies.
These ideological divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced, and they are causing friction not only within Congress but also among the party’s base.Progressives are frustrated with what they perceive as the Democratic establishment’s unwillingness to push for bold, transformative change. On the flip side, moderates fear that the left-wing push could alienate more conservative-leaning voters and leave the party too radical to succeed in the general election.The party’s inability to reconcile these competing factions is already having a detrimental effect on its unity. In states like West Virginia and Arizona, where Democratic voters traditionally favor more centrist candidates, there is growing frustration over the party’s shift to the left.Conversely, in states like California and New York, the left-wing base is becoming more vocal and influential, pushing for policies that some moderate Democrats consider too extreme.This ideological schism is compounded by the lack of clear leadership. While Joe Biden remains the face of the party, his approval ratings have fluctuated significantly, and his leadership has been called into question by both factions.His age and the uncertainty surrounding his potential candidacy for 2024 also contribute to a sense of instability, with many wondering whether the party can continue to rely on an aging leader to guide them through increasingly turbulent times.Another critical factor contributing to the Democratic Party’s potential decline is the shifting demographic makeup of the American electorate. While the party has traditionally relied on minority communities, young voters, and urban centers to win elections, these groups are becoming more difficult to engage, and their political priorities are changing.For example, African American voters, who have long been a reliable Democratic base, are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the party’s handling of issues affecting their communities.
Many feel that the Democratic Party has failed to deliver on promises of police reform, economic opportunity, and systemic change. As a result, there is a growing sense of alienation among African American voters, who are increasingly questioning whether the party truly represents their interests.Similarly, younger voters, who were initially drawn to the Democratic Party by figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, are becoming more skeptical of the party’s ability to enact meaningful change.Issues like climate change, student loan debt, and healthcare reform are still top priorities for many young Democrats, but the party’s inability to deliver on these promises is pushing them to look for alternatives.Furthermore, the traditional strongholds of the Democratic Party—urban centers and blue states—are facing their own challenges. As crime rises in some cities and quality-of-life issues become more pressing, voters in these urban areas are becoming more inclined to seek change.This shift could make it more difficult for Democrats to hold onto key swing states and districts, particularly in battleground regions that have seen rising crime or economic struggles.The rise of populism, particularly under the leadership of Donald Trump, has also posed a significant threat to the Democratic Party’s future. Trump’s ability to galvanize a broad swath of the American electorate, particularly in rural and working-class areas, has made him a formidable opponent for the Democrats.Despite losing the 2020 election, Trump’s influence remains pervasive, particularly within the Republican Party.Trump’s ability to tap into the frustrations of working-class Americans, many of whom feel left behind by the political establishment, continues to be a source of strength for the GOP.
His ability to craft a message that resonates with voters who are dissatisfied with the status quo is something the Democrats have struggled to replicate.As long as Trump remains an influential figure in American politics, the Democratic Party will face the challenge of competing with his populist appeal. TheDemocrats’ inability to address the concerns of working-class voters, particularly in the Rust Belt and other swing states, will make it increasingly difficult for them to win national elections.If the Democratic Party is to survive and thrive beyond 2026, it will need to undergo a radical reimagining of its approach to both governance and electoral strategy.The party can no longer rely on the same tactics and messaging that have worked in the past. Instead, it must address the needs and concerns of its diverse base while simultaneously finding common ground with moderates and independents.One way to do this is by focusing on economic policies that resonate with working-class voters. The Democrats need to find ways to reinvigorate their message on job creation, wage growth, and economic opportunity.Addressing issues like affordable housing, healthcare, and job training could help the party connect with voters who feel that they have been left behind by both the Democratic and Republican establishments.Additionally, the Democratic Party must find ways to bridge the gap between its progressive and moderate factions. A unified party is essential for electoral success, and the Democrats cannot afford to continue their internal bickering.
If the party can unite around a common vision for the future, they may be able to attract a broader coalition of voters, including independents and moderate Republicans.Finally, the Democrats must invest in rebuilding trust with key demographics, particularly minority communities and younger voters. This will require a shift in priorities, with a renewed focus on addressing the issues that matter most to these groups.Whether it’s climate change, racial justice, or healthcare reform, the Democrats must show that they are genuinely committed to enacting policies that improve the lives of everyday Americans.The road to 2026 is uncertain for the Democratic Party. With divisions within the party, shifting voter demographics, and the enduring influence of populism, the next few years will be crucial in determining the future of the party.If the Democrats fail to address their internal challenges and adapt to the changing political landscape, they could find themselves in a precarious position.However, if the party can unite around a common vision for the future and connect with the diverse needs of the American electorate, they may be able to maintain their relevance and continue to be a dominant force in American politics.Ultimately, the future of the Democratic Party will depend on its ability to evolve. The next few years will determine whether the party can reassert itself as a viable political force or whether it will fade into irrelevance. The stakes are high, and 2026 will likely be a defining moment for the party’s future