The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly monitored the communications of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, during the period he was investigating the agency’s actions during the Russia hoax. A report from the Justice Department‘s inspector general reveals the FBI snooped on Patel’s communications.
The report indicates the FBI obtained Patel’s phone and email records through subpoenas during an investigation into alleged leaks of classified information by congressional staffers.
This occurred while Patel was leading a House Intelligence Committee investigation into the FBI’s use of opposition research against Trump campaign staff. Patel has voiced intentions to address misuse of authority within the FBI.
Between September 2017 and March 2018, the FBI collected data on several individuals while Andrew McCabe was acting FBI director. The investigation extended over several years under the authority of FBI director Christopher Wray, with the subpoenas renewed annually without the knowledge of Patel or others involved.
The inspector general, Michael Horowitz, warned that the surveillance raised concerns about undue interference in Congressional oversight. Christopher Wray announced his resignation shortly after the report’s release.
While the statute of limitations hinders the prosecution of former officials, Patel could revoke their security clearances to enforce accountability.
McCabe, a current CNN analyst, questioned Patel’s qualifications. Several former FBI officials are already panicking about Patel’s appointment as FBI chief, including former hatchetman Daniel Brunner, who claimed Patel could do “massive damage” to the agency’s inner workings.
Patel has many endorsements, including the National Police Association (NPA). The National Pulse’s Editor-in-Chief, Raheem Kassam, has told War Room host Stephen K. Bannon that the new administration needs a “cabinet filled with Kash Patels.”
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