The FBI’s surveillance of Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI director, has drawn sharp criticism following a new report from the DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General. Patel, who worked on the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into FBI misconduct, was reportedly monitored as part of a broader effort to obtain records from Congress and the media.
Patel’s investigative work exposed flaws in the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane probe, particularly its reliance on the debunked Steele Dossier to obtain surveillance warrants against Trump campaign associates. Sources confirmed to The New York Post and CNN that Patel was one of several individuals targeted, along with Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell.
The surveillance, which occurred between 2017 and 2018, was conducted under a “compulsory process” that also sought records from 21 Democratic staffers, 20 Republican staffers, and journalists at major news outlets. Critics argue the broad use of these measures reflects significant overreach and undermines public trust.
Although the DOJ defended its actions, stating no political motivations were found, the OIG report acknowledged that the surveillance gave the “appearance of inappropriate interference” by the executive branch. Patel’s spokeswoman called the findings evidence of why he is well-suited to lead reforms at the FBI.
Patel has long been a critic of federal law enforcement practices and has advocated for major structural changes to the FBI. His nomination comes after former FBI Director Christopher Wray resigned earlier this week.
This latest revelation has fueled broader concerns about the impartiality of federal agencies and their treatment of investigators working to expose misconduct. Patel’s supporters view the targeting of his records as an alarming precedent that warrants immediate reform.
