Compromised: Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump by Peter Strzok Summary

Compromised by former FBI counterintelligence deputy Peter Strzok analyzes Donald Trump’s alleged vulnerability to foreign influence, particularly from Russia. Strzok argues Trump’s financial ties, lies about Russian business dealings, and alignment with Putin’s interests created national security risks. The book details Strzok’s role in the FBI’s "Crossfire Hurricane" probe into 2016 election interference, emphasizing counterintelligence concerns over criminal culpability.

This book suits readers interested in FBI operations, Trump-Russia ties, or U.S. counterintelligence. Political historians, national security professionals, and those seeking insider perspectives on investigations into Trump’s campaign will find value. Fans of exposés like A Higher Loyalty or Fear will appreciate Strzok’s firsthand account.

Yes—Strzok’s gripping narrative combines spycraft details with high-stakes political drama. Reviewers praise its clarity on FBI protocols and urgent warnings about foreign interference. Critics note its partisan tone, but the book remains essential for understanding the FBI’s internal struggles during the Trump era.

Strzok defines kompromat as compromising material foreign adversaries could use to blackmail Trump. Examples include Trump’s concealed Russian business deals, Moscow Tower negotiations during the 2016 campaign, and public lies about interactions with Putin-linked figures.

While the Mueller Report focused on prosecutable crimes, Strzok emphasizes counterintelligence risks—how Trump’s actions might aid foreign powers, even without criminal intent. The book critiques the legal system’s inability to address such threats.

Strzok cites Trump’s decade-long pursuit of Moscow Tower deals, 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, and repeated denials of Russian contacts despite Michael Cohen’s negotiations. He argues these created leverage for Putin.

Strzok was fired in 2018 after anti-Trump texts with colleague Lisa Page surfaced. He claims his criticism reflected legitimate national security concerns, not bias, and sued the FBI for wrongful termination.

The book reveals bureaucratic infighting, political pressure from Trump allies, and debates over investigating a sitting president. Strzok criticizes James Comey’s handling of the Clinton email probe and the FBI’s public neutrality norms.

Detractors argue Strzok’s personal grievances and partisan language undermine objectivity. Trump supporters dismiss it as “Deep State” propaganda, while legal experts note it lacks new documentary evidence.

Strzok warns Trump’s actions—like sharing classified data with Russian officials in 2017—normalized foreign interference and weakened defenses against disinformation campaigns. He calls its long-term effects “corrosive”.

He details “defensive briefings” (warnings to officials targeted by foreign spies), asset recruitment methods, and analyzing patterns of influence operations. Case studies include FBI busts of Russian sleeper agents.

Strzok urges reforms to strengthen apolitical counterintelligence work and public awareness of foreign threats. He warns that Trump’s presidency set a dangerous precedent for future exploitation by adversaries.