Biden-Era FBI Surveillance of Trump Family Draws Scrutiny

What Happened

Records obtained from the first Trump White House phones revealed that the Biden-era FBI tracked Trump family travel and top aide Susie Wiles' phone records, according to Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The FBI investigation, codenamed 'Plasmic Echo,' examined Trump's alleged improper retention of classified and national-defense material and possible obstruction. The probe, later taken over by special counsel Jack Smith, logged metadata from Wiles' calls with attorneys, journalists, and others.

On one day in March 2023, documents showed investigators logged metadata for 39 calls made or received by Wiles, including calls to and from multiple campaign contacts, a lawyer, and an extension associated with Melania Trump.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that the FBI tracked the travel of first lady Melania Trump and Barron Trump while planning the 2022 Mar-a-Lago search. The agency also collected metadata from Wiles' phone records, including calls with lawyers and journalists.

Former top Democratic official Julian Epstein compared the situation to the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon, stating that it 'feels a little Nixonian.' Epstein questioned the legal justification for monitoring the contacts, particularly those involving lawyers and journalists.

The White House condemned the newly disclosed tracking of Trump family travel and collection of Wiles' call metadata, with spokesperson Lauren Bis calling it a 'disgraceful abuse of government power.'

Where the Accounts Conflict

While the White House and some Democrats have criticized the FBI's surveillance tactics, others have defended the investigation as a necessary step in examining Trump's alleged wrongdoing.

Former RNC official Elizabeth Pipko highlighted Wiles as someone who should be emulated, not targeted, stating that her story should inspire young women. Pipko criticized the hatred from President Trump's opponents, which she believes teaches young people that working for the 'wrong' candidate can make them and those around them targets.

Theo Wold, a former acting assistant U.S. attorney general under Trump, said the new disclosures vindicate Republicans who have long warned of a so-called 'Deep State.' Wold claimed that the DOJ, FBI, and wider intelligence community have targeted innocent Americans to coordinate their attack on opposition political figures and dissident movements.

Context and Stakes

The surveillance of the Trump family and top aides has significant implications for the ongoing investigation into Trump's alleged wrongdoing. The revelation has sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some comparing the tactics to those used during the Nixon era.

The stakes are high, with the potential for the investigation to impact the 2024 presidential election. The White House has condemned the surveillance, calling it a 'disgraceful abuse of government power.' The FBI's actions have also raised questions about the agency's independence and potential politicization.

In a separate development, California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor for possible threats to the state after President Trump's comments on Iran. Newsom called Trump's remarks 'dangerous — if not treasonous' and said they put a target on Los Angeles and San Diego.

What to Watch Next

As the investigation into Trump's alleged wrongdoing continues, it is likely that the surveillance of the Trump family and top aides will remain a contentious issue. The White House and Democrats will likely continue to criticize the FBI's tactics, while Republicans will likely defend the investigation as necessary.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, has stated that if Democrats win the majority in the midterm elections, they will be a 'real check' on President Trump's appointment power. Booker has called for term limits on the Supreme Court and clear rules for presidential appointments.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will likely continue to investigate the FBI's surveillance tactics, and it is possible that the committee will call for further testimony from FBI officials and other witnesses.

Bottom Line

The surveillance of the Trump family and top aides by the Biden-era FBI has sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. The revelation has significant implications for the ongoing investigation into Trump's alleged wrongdoing and has raised questions about the agency's independence and potential politicization.

The White House has condemned the surveillance, calling it a 'disgraceful abuse of government power.' The FBI's actions have also raised questions about the potential for government overreach and the impact on the 2024 presidential election.

As the investigation continues, it is likely that the surveillance of the Trump family and top aides will remain a contentious issue. The White House, Democrats, and Republicans will likely continue to debate the legitimacy of the investigation and the FBI's tactics.