Former Democratic Official Criticizes FBI Surveillance in Trump Probe as 'Nixonian'

Revelations that the Biden-era FBI tracked the travel of former first lady Melania Trump and her son Barron, along with the phone records of top aide Susie Wiles, have drawn sharp criticism, with one former top Democratic official comparing the actions to Nixon-era abuses of federal power.

The FBI investigation, codenamed "Plasmic Echo" and later handled by special counsel Jack Smith, focused on former President Donald Trump's alleged improper retention of classified materials and possible obstruction. Records indicate that agents monitored Melania and Barron Trump's travel during the planning of the 2022 Mar-a-Lago search and later collected metadata from calls made by Susie Wiles, who is now White House Chief of Staff.

Julian Epstein, former chief counsel for the House Judiciary Committee's Democratic staff, likened the FBI's actions to the scandal that led to President Richard Nixon's downfall. "It’s hard to think of good justifications for this. To me, it feels a little Nixonian," Epstein stated. He questioned the legal basis for monitoring communications, particularly those involving lawyers and journalists, suggesting that such actions would require substantial explanations if true.

Epstein's criticism places him among a few prominent Democrats to publicly condemn the investigative tactics. The disclosures have also prompted strong reactions from Republicans and the White House.

Former acting Assistant U.S. Attorney General Theo Wold argued that these revelations validate concerns about a "Deep State" overreaching its authority. "The Deep State is real. They have abused their authority for political gain," Wold said. "They have wielded government power against innocent Americans to coordinate their attack on opposition political figures and dissident movements."

The White House also condemned the surveillance activities. "Jack Smith’s surveillance operation was a disgraceful abuse of government power. Spying on political opponents is weaponization of law enforcement, plain and simple," White House spokesperson Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital. "Those responsible must be held accountable."

On a single day in March 2023, investigators logged metadata for 39 calls connected to Wiles, including calls to campaign contacts, a lawyer, and an extension associated with Melania Trump. Former RNC official Elizabeth Pipko noted that Wiles' story should be inspirational but that such surveillance targets make it clear that working for Trump can lead to individuals becoming targets.

These developments follow earlier reports that Smith's probe had also obtained communications involving dozens of journalists. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, had previously expressed concern over similar revelations, stating in July that Republicans were justified in their concerns about "the possible breach of norms and improper access to email."