FBI Investigation’s Odd Code Name and Allegations of Intentional Obfuscation

The White House unveiled declassified FBI memos detailing an investigation into whether President Donald Trump’s dismissal of James Comey had ties to Russia. This investigation operated under the peculiar code name “Oxferd Comma,” prompting speculation that the misspelling was intentional.

Jeff Clark, a former acting Assistant Attorney General, asserted that the code name was deliberately altered. He claimed it was designed to complicate the search for pertinent investigation records. “The FBI under James Comey and Christopher Wray was corrupt,” Clark stated. He accused them of conducting an unsound investigation to penalize Trump for firing Comey by alleging Trump acted as a Russian agent, knowingly or otherwise.

Clark described the code name “OXFERD C0MMA,” noting the use of a zero instead of an “o” and the misspelling of the renowned university’s name. “This was an attempt by FBI managers to cleverly circumvent the Freedom of Information Act,” he explained.

The FBI’s “Oxferd Comma” investigation sought to determine whether Trump was influenced by or involved with the Russian Federation in ways threatening U.S. national security or violating federal laws, according to a May 16, 2017, memo. Trump’s dismissal of Comey in May 2017 was initially said to stem from Comey’s management of the Hillary Clinton email inquiry.

The FBI launched the “Oxferd Comma” investigation shortly after, probing any potential Russian connections to the firing. Clark speculated that the code name’s misspelling might have hindered record searches. A FOIA request using the correct spelling might not yield the necessary documents, allowing the FBI to claim no records were found.

This unusual spelling captured attention on social media. Some users referred to a 2017 post by Comey about his preference for Oxford commas in his autobiography “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership.” Clark added that Comey’s known affinity for Oxford commas may have inspired the code name, though it does not explain the misspelling.

The FBI did not directly address the code name when contacted. However, Ben Williamson, an assistant director in the FBI’s Public Affairs office, condemned past weaponization against Trump. Williamson stated that unethical individuals found responsible would face termination and legal consequences.