DOJ Secretly Obtained Records from 2 Lawmakers and 43 Staffers in 2017-18 Trump-Russia Leak Probe, IG Report Reveals

Dec 11, 2024, 10:35 AM

An internal watchdog report has revealed that the U.S. Justice Department secretly obtained phone and text message records from two lawmakers and 43 staffers during a leak investigation in 2017-18. This investigation, which was broader than previously acknowledged, involved actions taken during President-elect Donald Trump's first term. The report highlights concerns that the DOJ's actions risked a chilling effect on congressional oversight. Additionally, it was noted that the DOJ flouted established rules while probing Trump-Russia leaks to reporters. The findings have raised significant questions about the department's adherence to its own policies regarding surveillance of lawmakers and reporters.