Former FBI official Peter Strzok reaches $1.2 million settlement with Justice Dept over Trump-related texts
SUMMARY
Former FBI special agent Peter Strzok reached a $1.2 million settlement with the Justice Department over claims that his privacy was violated when text messages between him and former FBI employee Lisa Page, criticizing Donald Trump, were released. Aitan D. Goelman, Strzok's lawyer, called the settlement a "critical step forward" in addressing the "unfair and highly politicized treatment" of Strzok and emphasized its significance for government employees' privacy rights. Strzok is still suing the FBI and Justice Department, claiming his 2018 firing violated his due process and free speech rights due to political pressure. The settlement addresses privacy issues, but the termination claims are ongoing. Strzok, involved in the Hillary Clinton email investigation and Mueller's probe into Russian election meddling, seeks back pay and reinstatement.
