Source: Fox News
Summary
The FBI under the Biden administration tracked the travel of Melania and Barron Trump and collected metadata from Susie Wiles’ phone calls, according to a report. Julian Epstein, a former Democratic official, criticized the actions, comparing them to Nixon-era abuses of power. Epstein questioned the legal justification for monitoring family members and advisors. The White House condemned the surveillance as an abuse of government power. The FBI’s investigation, later taken over by Jack Smith, focused on Trump’s handling of classified materials. Wiles, now White House chief of staff, was tracked during her work with Trump’s campaign.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
FBI tracked Trump family travel and Wiles’ calls.
Epstein called it Nixonian, questioned legal justifications.
White House condemned the surveillance as weaponization.
Surveillance of advisors and family feels like a routine of political control.
Author: Evan Null
Tracking the Trump Family
The FBI under the Biden administration tracked the travel of Melania and Barron Trump. This action was part of an investigation into Trump’s handling of classified materials. The surveillance was later taken over by Jack Smith. The tracking was done during the planning of the 2022 Mar-a-Lago search. The FBI also collected metadata from Susie Wiles’ phone calls.
Epstein’s Criticism
Julian Epstein, a former Democratic official, criticized the actions. He compared the behavior to Nixon-era abuses of power. Epstein questioned the legal justification for monitoring family members and advisors. He said the actions seemed like a stretch. Epstein was among the few prominent Democrats to publicly criticize the tactics.
White House Response
The White House condemned the tracking of Trump family travel and the collection of Wiles’ call metadata. A spokesperson called the surveillance a disgraceful abuse of government power. The White House said the actions were a weaponization of law enforcement. They demanded accountability for those responsible.
Deep State Claims
Theo Wold, a former acting assistant U.S. attorney general, said the disclosures vindicated Republicans’ warnings about the “Deep State.” He claimed the FBI and DOJ targeted various groups, including Trump and his family. Wold said the Deep State abused their authority for political gain. He accused them of using government power against opposition figures.
Public Reaction
Elizabeth Pipko, a former RNC official, highlighted Wiles as someone to emulate. She said her story should inspire young women. Pipko criticized the surveillance of those working for the “wrong” candidate. The revelations came after Sen. Charles Grassley said Smith’s probe captured communications with journalists, including some from Fox News. Fox News reached out to Smith’s counsel for comment.
