Justice Department settles lawsuit with ex-FBI officials regarding anti-Trump texts

The Department of Justice settled its lawsuit with two former FBI employees who sued the department for allegedly violating their privacy rights. 

Former counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page filed a lawsuit against the agency after text messages were released that expressed their contempt for former President Donald Trump.

Strzok settled his case for $1.2 million and Page settled for $800,000, documents obtained by The Associated Press say.

Strzok, who was previously fired by the FBI, considers the win a victory for privacy rights of those who work for the government. 

"This outcome is a critical step forward in addressing the government’s unfair and highly politicized treatment of Pete," his attorney said, according to Fox News.

Strzok served as lead agent in the investigation of the since-debunked accusations that former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election.