Former FBI special agent Peter Strzok has reached a $1.2 million settlement with the Justice Department over claims that his privacy and the Privacy Act were violated when text messages between him and former FBI employee Lisa Page were released during the Trump administration. The messages criticized former President Donald Trump and his candidacy, leading to Strzok’s firing in 2018. Strzok, represented by lawyer Aitan D. Goelman, stated that the settlement was a critical step forward in addressing the government’s unfair treatment of him and vindicated the privacy interests of all government employees.
The settlement resolves the privacy allegations, but Strzok’s claims of unlawful termination are still being litigated. He seeks back pay and other compensation for his employment, alleging that his firing in 2018 violated his rights to due process and free speech and was politically motivated. The Justice Department, when contacted by CBS News, declined to comment on the settlement but stated that they intend to continue to defend against Strzok’s other claims.
Peter Strzok, who worked on Robert Mueller’s team for a time, became a target of President Trump after his critical text messages were discovered. Strzok filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to get his job with the FBI back. He was removed from the Mueller probe, moved to a different office within the FBI, and later escorted from the building following the scrutiny of his actions in a Justice Department Inspector General report.
In addition to his work on the Mueller probe, Strzok also played a role in the Hillary Clinton email investigation and the investigation into Russian election meddling and ties to Trump associates. He testified before Congress in 2018, expressing regret for sending the anti-Trump texts to Page but stating that he did so with the expectation of privacy. Despite the settlement with the Justice Department, Strzok is still pursuing legal action to address the circumstances surrounding his termination.
Robert Legare, a CBS News multiplatform reporter and producer covering the Justice Department, federal courts, and investigations, provided insights into the case and the background of Peter Strzok. Legare’s reporting sheds light on the complex legal battle between Strzok and the Justice Department, highlighting the implications of the settlement and the ongoing litigation surrounding Strzok’s termination.
Overall, the settlement between Peter Strzok and the Justice Department represents a significant development in the case, addressing privacy violations while leaving unresolved issues related to his termination. The legal battle continues as Strzok seeks to hold the government accountable for its actions and restore his reputation and career in the FBI.
