FBI Investigated Trump Legal Team During 2020 Presidential Transition

A recently declassified government report reveals that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated members of then-President Donald Trump’s legal team in the period following the 2020 presidential election, even before the formal transfer of power to President Joe Biden. The investigation centered on concerns raised about potential election fraud.

FBI Assessment Initiated in December 2020

According to a December 8, 2020, memo, then-FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich directed the FBI Field Office in Atlanta to begin interviews “as soon as possible” regarding an “election matter.” Racket News reported on the memo as part of a series on FBI assessments.

Giuliani and Georgia Hearing Under Scrutiny

The FBI’s investigation stemmed from a hearing held in Georgia five days prior, where Rudy Giuliani, then acting as Trump’s attorney, presented allegations of fraudulent voting and irregularities. The FBI initiated an “assessment” – a level of investigation allowing for warrantless surveillance and the utilize of confidential informants without requiring proof of wrongdoing or criminal suspicion – into the hearing. Racket News

Barr’s Dismissal of Fraud Claims Preceded Investigation

The FBI’s assessment followed a public dispute between Giuliani and then-Attorney General William Barr. Giuliani criticized Barr for dismissing concerns about voting irregularities, stating, “With all due respect to the attorney general, there hasn’t been any semblance of a Department of Justice investigation.” Barr had publicly stated that the Justice Department and FBI had investigated election complaints and found no evidence to change the outcome. Racket News

Giuliani’s Home and Office Raided

Approximately six months after the assessment was opened, in April 2021, the FBI raided Giuliani’s home and office. Racket News

Broader Context: Trump and FBI Scrutiny

This investigation occurred amidst broader scrutiny of Donald Trump and his associates. In October 2025, the FBI investigated an alleged illegal gambling racket involving the NBA, with some individuals blaming Trump for the situation. News.com.au and Daily Mail reported on these allegations. In January 2026, commentary suggested Trump was transforming the US into a “protection racket” through appointments to the Justice Department and FBI. The Guardian