"I am going to be reviewing both the genesis and the conduct of intelligence activities directed at the Trump campaign during 2016," Attorney General William Barr said.
Barr told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee Wednesday that he plans to set up a team to look into the start of the FBI investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election.
"I think spying during a political campaign is a big deal. It's a big deal," Barr said.
"You're not suggesting, though, that spying occurred?" U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen asked.
"I don't — well, I guess you could — I do think spying did occur. Yes, I do think spying did occur."
Barr emphasized that he is not launching an investigation into the FBI, but he said he wanted to make sure the agency followed proper procedures during the Trump-Russia probe. Barr didn't give any more details about what "spying" he was referring to.
But it might have something to do with previous statements from President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers. The FBI has faced accusations that it abused its power in its surveillance of former Trump adviser Carter Page, among other things. The commander-in-chief has called for an investigation into how the Russia probe started.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
