Newly declassified documents suggest that Hillary Clinton approved a strategy during the 2016 presidential campaign to link Donald Trump to Russian interference. According to these documents, Clinton’s campaign aide Julianne Smith proposed a plan to “smear Donald Trump by magnifying the scandal tied to the intrusion by the Russian special services” to benefit Clinton politically and distract from her email controversy.

Special Counsel John Durham uncovered these details during a lengthy investigation into intelligence operations around the 2016 election. At the request of Senator Chuck Grassley, several files related to Durham’s findings were declassified. Grassley criticized the Obama FBI for allegedly failing to properly investigate intelligence reports indicating the Clinton campaign may have pushed the Trump-Russia collusion narrative for political gain, including through the Steele Dossier.

Recently released memos, including some from former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, show U.S. intelligence officials concluded Russia did not significantly impact Trump’s victory. One memo, addressed to President Obama, stated that Russian cyber activity did not alter election results.

The disclosures support claims by Trump and his allies that the Russia collusion story was a political hoax meant to undermine his presidency. Meanwhile, reports suggest that FBI officials may investigate former intelligence and law enforcement leaders involved in the Russia probe, including John Brennan and James Comey.

Though the documents reveal attempts to connect Trump with Russia, they also raise questions about the handling and motives behind the investigation. This controversy remains a deeply polarizing issue in American politics.