Analysts recognized by December 5, 2016, it was not even a “logical investigative step” to seek General Flynn’s financial records at that time and that “this is a nightmare.”
On that same day, analysts discussed NSLs as a pretext to buy time that also increased the risk of leaks. They also noted it was a topic that “makes no sense” since the argument was made back in August. “If we’re concerned about sensitivity/leaks, might not want to send NSLs that we don’t really intend on using.” “Exactly that makes no sense. We’d have to read in more people/field offices.” “Again—the argument you guys made to me in [A]ug[ust].”