# Nellie Ohr: Opposition Research Report ## Executive Summary Nellie Hauke Ohr emerges as a central figure in what has been characterized as one of the most significant political intelligence operations targeting a presidential candidate in American history. Through her employment with Fusion GPS from 2015-2016, Ohr played a pivotal role in creating and disseminating what would become known as the Steele Dossier—a collection of unverified allegations against Donald Trump that formed the foundation for the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation. [Recent declassified FBI documents](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/newly-declassified-fbi-document-proves-fusion-gps-contractor-nellie-ohr-lied-to-congress-about-contributions-to-crossfire-hurricane) reveal that Ohr provided "demonstrably false" testimony to Congress about her involvement and was the subject of a criminal referral for perjury that the Department of Justice failed to prosecute, despite [internal FBI analysis](https://magnoliatribune.com/2023/05/17/durham-report-doj-official/) confirming probable cause for [criminal charges](https://nypost.com/2025/05/28/us-news/nellie-ohr-perjured-herself-in-trump-russia-probe-testimony-bombshell-fbi-records-show/). ## Background and Education [Nellie Hauke Ohr holds degrees](https://littlesis.org/person/326142-Nellie_Ohr) in history and Russian literature from Harvard University and received her doctorate in Russian history from Stanford University in 1990. Her 418-page doctoral dissertation, titled "Collective farms and Russian peasant society, 1933-1937: the stabilization of the kolkhoz order," reflects what scholars have identified as ["revisionist" academic thinking](https://spectator.org/nellie-ohr-woman-in-the-middle/) that downplayed Stalin's atrocities, referring to mass killings as merely "excesses" representing "desperate measures taken by a government that had little real control over the country". From the 1990s, she taught Russian history at [Vassar College](https://littlesis.org/person/326142-Nellie_Ohr) before transitioning to work as an independent contractor conducting Russia-related research for various public and private entities. Notably, she [applied for a ham radio operator's license](https://spectator.org/nellie-ohr-woman-in-the-middle/) on May 23, 2016, around the time she joined Fusion GPS—a curious detail reminiscent of Cold War-era espionage tradecraft. ## Connection to Hillary Clinton Campaign and Fusion GPS ### Employment and Role Ohr's entry into the Trump-Russia narrative began in September 2015 when she [proactively contacted Fusion GPS](https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-11/11.14.23.%20--%20Comms%20John%20Durham%20and%20OAG%20&%20ODAG.pdf) after reading an article mentioning co-founder Glenn Simpson. She was subsequently [hired by Fusion GPS](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/newly-declassified-fbi-document-proves-fusion-gps-contractor-nellie-ohr-lied-to-congress-about-contributions-to-crossfire-hurricane) to conduct opposition research on Donald Trump, working for the firm from 2015 to 2016. The Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee funded this research through their law firm, Perkins Coie, which [paid Fusion GPS approximately $1.02 million](https://www.fec.gov/files/legal/murs/7449/7449_43.pdf) for the Trump research. ### Research Activities According to her congressional testimony, [Ohr conducted extensive research](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/congressional-investigators-seeking-nellie-ohrs-opposition-research-records-on-trump-family) on Trump family members and their Russian connections. She confirmed researching "Trump's family broadly in connection with any Russian connections" and explored "foreign travel, among other issues" for family members to determine if "they were involved in dealings and transactions with people who had suspicious pasts". [Durham Report findings](https://magnoliatribune.com/2023/05/17/durham-report-doj-official/) reveal that Ohr "first identified" Sergei Millian and "prepared at least 12 reports that discussed Sergei Millian," with her first report completed in April 2016—just ten days after Fusion GPS was retained by Perkins Coie and before Christopher Steele was hired. This timing suggests Ohr "planted the seeds of sourcing for the most explosive allegations leveled by the dossier against Trump". ## Relationship with Husband Bruce Ohr and Connection to Trump Investigation ### The Ohr Channel [Bruce Ohr](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-doj-official-demoted-amid-probe-of-contacts-with-trump-dossier-firm), then Associate Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, served as a crucial conduit between his wife's research and [federal law enforcement](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-bosses-bruce-ohr-offered-russia-probe-sources/story?id=57367588). In December 2016, [Bruce Ohr provided the FBI](https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/09.19.24.%20-%20Confirmation%20of%20SC.pdf) with two thumb drives: one containing material from Glenn Simpson and another containing "the totality of the work Nellie Ohr conducted for Simpson" with Fusion GPS headers stripped. ### Key Meetings and Communications The Ohrs participated in a critical breakfast meeting with Christopher Steele on July 30, 2016, at the [Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/31/lawyer-was-told-russia-had-trump-over-a-barrel.html), where they discussed allegations that [Russian intelligence had Trump "over a barrel"](https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/31/politics/bruce-ohr-christopher-steele-donald-trump). The [FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation was opened](https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/5/30/2325065/-Trump-points-the-finger-back-at-himself-with-Fusion-GPS-and-the-Steele-Dossier) the following day, July 31, 2016. [FBI analysis concluded](https://nypost.com/2025/05/28/us-news/nellie-ohr-perjured-herself-in-trump-russia-probe-testimony-bombshell-fbi-records-show/) there was "little distinction" between Bruce and Nellie Ohr's professional and personal lives, with "probable cause to believe that Bruce and Nellie did communicate with each other about their respective activity in furtherance of the Russia-collusion investigations and/or narrative". ## Durham Report Findings Special Counsel John Durham's investigation revealed significant concerns about Nellie Ohr's role in the Trump-Russia investigation. The [Durham Report suggests](https://magnoliatribune.com/2023/05/17/durham-report-doj-official/) that Ohr's early identification of key figures and development of sourcing laid the groundwork for the most serious allegations in the Steele Dossier. [Durham's investigation highlighted](https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/report/the-durham-investigation-primer) how the FBI failed to properly vet the Clinton campaign's role in funding the research while giving "substantial reliance on the uncorroborated Steele reports". ## Mueller Report References While the [Mueller Report](https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/commentary/13-questions-investigators-about-special-counsels-probe-russiagate) made only passing references to the Steele Dossier's allegations, it acknowledged the investigation's origins and the various sources of information that contributed to the probe. The report noted that the FBI's counterintelligence investigation predated receipt of the Steele materials, though [those materials aided the investigation](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/russia-probe-timeline-moscow-mueller/story?id=57427441). ## Inspector General Reports The Department of Justice [Inspector General's December 2019 report](https://oig.justice.gov/news/doj-oig-releases-review-four-fisa-applications-and-other-aspects-fbis-crossfire-hurricane) examined Bruce Ohr's interactions with Steele and Fusion GPS, concluding that Bruce Ohr made "consequential errors in judgment" in failing to inform his supervisors about his role in the investigation. The report detailed how the FBI continued its relationship with Steele through [Bruce Ohr even after formally closing Steele](https://www.justice.gov/storage/120919-examination.pdf) as a confidential human source. The OIG found significant problems with the FBI's handling of the investigation, including [17 significant errors and omissions](https://www.congress.gov/116/meeting/house/110281/documents/HHRG-116-JU00-20191204-SD1284.pdf) in FISA applications, many related to the Steele reporting that Nellie Ohr helped generate. ## Congressional Testimony and Perjury Allegations ### 2018 Congressional Testimony In October 2018, [Nellie Ohr appeared before House Judiciary and Oversight Committees](https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/19/politics/nellie-ohr-fusion-gps-congress-gps) but [invoked spousal privilege](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nellie-ohr-invokes-spousal-privilege-avoiding-questions-on-steele-dossier) to avoid answering questions about conversations with her husband regarding Fusion GPS and the dossier. This [strategic use of spousal privilege](https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/412303-nellie-ohr-interviews-with-two-gop-panels-on-ties-to-steele-dossier/) prevented congressional investigators from obtaining crucial information about the coordination between the couple. ### Criminal Referral and FBI Analysis A declassified 2019 FBI analysis, released by Senator Chuck Grassley in May 2025, concluded that [Nellie Ohr provided "demonstrably false information to Congress"](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/newly-declassified-fbi-document-proves-fusion-gps-contractor-nellie-ohr-lied-to-congress-about-contributions-to-crossfire-hurricane) and "obstructed ongoing congressional investigations," violating federal statutes 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (false statements) and 18 U.S.C § 1505 (obstruction of congressional proceedings). The FBI analysis found that [Ohr "acknowledged that she understood"](https://dailycaller.com/2025/05/29/nellie-ohr-false-statements-trump-russia-probe-fbi-documents/) that knowingly providing false testimony could lead to facing charges of perjury or false statements" yet proceeded to provide false information anyway. Despite this evidence, the Justice Department declined to prosecute Ohr, a decision that [Senator Grassley characterized](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/newly-declassified-fbi-document-proves-fusion-gps-contractor-nellie-ohr-lied-to-congress-about-contributions-to-crossfire-hurricane) as demonstrating "deeply disturbing political bias". ## Current Activities Recent information indicates that [Ohr retired from Accenture Cyber Threat Intelligence](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybersecurityadvisors_eurasia-cyberthreats-analysis-activity-7094275959285030913-D5ys) (formerly iDefense) and joined the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN) in August 2023. She co-writes a Substack newsletter called "nattothoughts.substack.com" with a China-focused colleague. Her continued work in cybersecurity and threat intelligence raises questions about ongoing access to sensitive information despite her documented false statements to Congress. ## Legal Analysis of Potential Criminal Culpability ### Federal Criminal Violations **Perjury (18 U.S.C. § 1621)**: The FBI's internal analysis established probable cause that Ohr committed perjury by providing knowingly false statements under oath to Congress. The statute carries penalties of up to five years imprisonment. **False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001)**: FBI analysis specifically cited this statute as violated by Ohr's congressional testimony. This felony carries penalties of up to five years imprisonment and substantial fines. **Obstruction of Congressional Proceedings (18 U.S.C. § 1505)**: The FBI determined Ohr obstructed congressional investigations through her false testimony, another felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment. **Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371)**: Given the coordination between Nellie and Bruce Ohr in channeling opposition research to federal investigators, potential conspiracy charges could apply, carrying penalties of up to five years imprisonment. ### Prosecutorial Considerations The Justice Department's failure to prosecute despite clear evidence raises serious questions about selective enforcement and political considerations in charging decisions. Federal prosecutors typically pursue perjury charges when there is clear evidence of false statements material to congressional investigations, yet Ohr faced no consequences. ### Statute of Limitations While the five-year statute of limitations has likely expired for most potential charges related to her 2018 testimony, ongoing investigations could potentially reveal additional criminal conduct within the limitations period. ## Connections to Democratic Donors and Liberal Organizations ### Fusion GPS Funding Structure The Clinton campaign and DNC's funding of Fusion GPS through Perkins Coie created a sophisticated money-laundering structure designed to obscure the political origins of the research. The [Federal Election Commission ultimately fined](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier) the DNC $105,000 and the Clinton campaign $8,000 for misreporting payments to Fusion GPS as "legal services" rather than "opposition research". ### Professional Networks Ohr's membership in [Women in International Security](https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/412369-claiming-spousal-privilege-to-stonewall-congress-oversight/), an organization "dedicated to advancing the leadership and professional development of women in the field of international peace and security," connects her to broader liberal foreign policy establishment networks. ### Academic Connections Her academic background at Harvard and Stanford, combined with her teaching position at [Vassar College](https://littlesis.org/person/326142-Nellie_Ohr), places her within elite liberal academic circles that have historically opposed conservative political movements. ## Family Connections to Government [Bruce Ohr's career](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-doj-official-demoted-amid-probe-of-contacts-with-trump-dossier-firm) as a senior Justice Department official specializing in organized crime provided the crucial government access necessary for the operation's success. His [demotion from Associate Deputy Attorney General](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/doj-bosses-bruce-ohr-offered-russia-probe-sources/story?id=57367588) in December 2017 and subsequent removal from his organized crime task force position demonstrated the conflicts of interest created by his wife's employment. ## Congressional and Government Report Appearances Nellie Ohr features prominently in: - **[Senate Judiciary Committee investigations](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/newly-declassified-fbi-document-proves-fusion-gps-contractor-nellie-ohr-lied-to-congress-about-contributions-to-crossfire-hurricane)** into Crossfire Hurricane origins - **[House Intelligence Committee FISA abuse investigations](https://www.congress.gov/116/meeting/house/110281/documents/HHRG-116-JU00-20191204-SD1284.pdf)** - **[Durham Special Counsel Report](https://magnoliatribune.com/2023/05/17/durham-report-doj-official/)** as a key figure in the development of [Trump-Russia allegations](https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/report/the-durham-investigation-primer) - **[DOJ Inspector General Report](https://oig.justice.gov/news/doj-oig-releases-review-four-fisa-applications-and-other-aspects-fbis-crossfire-hurricane)** on [FISA abuse](https://www.justice.gov/storage/120919-examination.pdf) - **[Senate Intelligence Committee Report](https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sites-default-files-documents-report-volume5.pdf)** on Russian interference ## Conclusion Nellie Ohr represents a case study in how academic expertise, political opposition research, and government connections can converge to create powerful intelligence operations against political opponents. Her documented false statements to Congress, for which she faced no criminal prosecution despite clear evidence of perjury, exemplify the two-tiered justice system that protects politically connected individuals while aggressively pursuing their opponents. The FBI's own analysis confirming probable cause for criminal charges, combined with the Justice Department's refusal to prosecute, reveals a pattern of selective enforcement that undermines the rule of law. Ohr's continued employment in sensitive cybersecurity positions, despite her proven dishonesty under oath, raises ongoing national security concerns about the vetting and accountability of individuals with access to classified information. Her role in the Trump-Russia investigation demonstrates how opposition research can be laundered through academic credentials and government connections to create the appearance of legitimate intelligence, ultimately influencing federal investigations and undermining democratic processes.