Justice Department meddling in Clinton FBI probe: Trump

The Justice Department is seeking to interfere with an ostensible FBI criminal investigation of Hillary Clinton, US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Thursday on a campaign swing through the pivotal state of Florida.

Some officials at Justice are trying to protect his Democratic rival, EFE news quoted Trump as saying to supporters in Jacksonville, where President Barack Obama was scheduled to speak on behalf of Clinton later on Thursday.

"It was reported last night that the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton's pay-for-play corruption," the Republican said, citing an uncorroborated Fox News story.

That story referred to an FBI enquiry into the activities of the Clinton Foundation during Clinton's 2009-2013 tenure as Secretary of State.

"The investigation is described as a high priority. It's far-reaching and has been going on for more than one year. It was reported that an avalanche of information is coming in. The FBI agents say their investigation is likely to yield an indictment," Trump said.

While there is no evidence to support the claim Clinton is under criminal investigation in connection with the foundation established by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, FBI Director James Comey disclosed last week the emergence of 650,000 e-mails that are possibly pertinent to the investigation of Clinton's use of a private server while Secretary of State.

"Just remember, the system is rigged," Trump said.

The real estate magnate also criticised Obama for spending so much time on the stump for Clinton.

"He's campaigning every day, and I actually think, considering she's under criminal investigation, I think he's actually got a conflict," Trump said.

--IANS

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