In his research into President Trump’s supposed links to Russia, Christopher Steele valued rumor and speculation more than basic intelligence methodology. That’s a key takeaway from Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report on the FBI’s investigation into Trump campaign officials.

Horowitz makes clear that Steele ignored many of the lessons he learned in his 22 years as a member of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), including a tenure heading up MI6’s prestigious Russia desk.