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Story summary
- The FBI can initiate 'assessments' without strong evidence, enabling surveillance of journalists and political figures.
- A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report covering 2018–2024 found about 14% of these assessments escalated to full investigations, with higher rates in sensitive matters involving public officials and political candidates.
- The report also noted unauthorized investigative methods used by multiple FBI field offices, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of FBI surveillance.
