In a stunning revelation, the FBI, under previous leadership, secretly subpoenaed the phone records of Kash Patel and Susie Wiles while they were private citizens. The actions occurred in 2022 and 2023, during a federal investigation focused on the former President, raising serious questions about the scope and justification of the probe.
The subpoenas were issued while Jack Smith served as special counsel, investigating allegations surrounding the 2020 election results and the handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. This investigation ultimately led to multiple felony charges against the former President, charges that were later dropped after his re-election due to Justice Department policy.
Adding another layer of complexity, the FBI discovered these subpoenaed records within files categorized as “Prohibited,” a designation intended to shield sensitive information from scrutiny. Patel, now the FBI director, has publicly condemned the move as “outrageous and deeply alarming,” highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the process.
Patel further revealed that he has since eliminated the FBI’s ability to categorize files in this manner, signaling a commitment to greater oversight and accountability within the bureau. The discovery of these records raises concerns about potential abuses of power and the targeting of individuals not directly implicated in any wrongdoing.
The situation deepened with the disclosure that FBI agents recorded a phone call involving Wiles and her attorney in 2023. While the attorney reportedly consented to the recording, Wiles herself was allegedly unaware, sparking further debate about ethical considerations and investigative tactics.
Smith previously defended the acquisition of call records, asserting that all legal requirements were followed and that the records only contained metadata – information about the calls, not their content. He stated these records were crucial in establishing a timeline of events surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot.
News of the subpoenas and recording comes amidst a period of significant upheaval within the FBI, with at least ten employees reportedly terminated on Wednesday. Details regarding the reasons for these dismissals remain confidential, citing privacy concerns, but the timing adds to the growing sense of internal turmoil.
The unfolding events have ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the actions of the previous FBI leadership and the methods employed during the investigation. The implications of these revelations could reshape the landscape of federal investigations and raise fundamental questions about the balance between national security and individual privacy.
