FBI Surveillance Of Kash Patel Exposes Broader DOJ Overreach

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, was reportedly among those surveilled by the FBI during his time as a congressional investigator. A report from the DOJ Inspector General revealed that Patel, along with other congressional staffers and journalists, was targeted through a “compulsory process” to obtain records.

Patel’s role on the House Intelligence Committee involved leading a probe into the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which relied on the discredited Steele Dossier to obtain surveillance warrants. Patel’s findings were critical of the FBI and DOJ’s handling of the investigation, raising questions about political motivations within the agencies.

https://x.com/Trumpusa1A1/status/1868367977495638351

Sources cited by The New York Post and CNN confirmed Patel’s inclusion among those targeted between 2017 and 2018. The report also noted that records were sought from both Republican and Democratic staffers, as well as members of Congress and major news outlets.

The OIG found no direct evidence of political bias but highlighted that the surveillance created “the appearance of inappropriate interference” by the executive branch. Critics have argued that these actions raise serious concerns about the abuse of investigative powers.

https://x.com/JanisSillivan/status/1869181685700649071

Patel, who has pledged to overhaul the FBI if confirmed as its director, has previously stated his commitment to restoring public trust in federal law enforcement. His spokeswoman responded to the report by emphasizing Patel’s qualifications to lead much-needed reforms.

This controversy has reignited debates over the accountability of federal agencies and their treatment of individuals performing legitimate oversight duties. Patel’s supporters view his targeting as a clear example of why the FBI requires immediate structural changes.