Full Breakdown
FBI Surveillance of Trump Family Travel and Susie Wiles’ Phone Records During Jack Smith Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Investigation Details
Federal investigators under the Biden administration monitored the movements of former First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron Trump and collected metadata from the cellphone of Susie Wiles, who later became White House chief of staff. The surveillance was part of a secret probe codenamed “Plasmic Echo,” later taken over by special counsel Jack Smith. The investigation focused on alleged improper retention of classified and national-defense material at Mar-a-Lago and possible obstruction of justice.
Documents released by the White House show that agents logged travel details for the first family as they prepared for the August 8, 2022 raid on Trump’s Palm Beach residence, which included searches of the former president’s office and both of the first couple’s bedrooms. After the raid, FBI analysts recorded Wiles’ phone activity. On March 9, 2023, Wiles made or received 39 calls, ranging from campaign contacts to lawyers. A May 19, 2023 entry notes a 16-minute-11-second call from the “FPOTUS Vanity Number” to Wiles. On April 10, 2023, the Washington Field Office reviewed Wiles’ telephonic activity surrounding her interview with agents in Jacksonville, Florida.
Background & Context
The probe later expanded to include text messages exchanged between Trump-White House officials and 44 current and former members of Congress, released by the GOP-led Senate Judiciary Committee on July 14.
Data & Statistics
- 39 phone calls logged for Wiles on March 9, 2023.
- A 16-minute-11-second call recorded on May 19, 2023.
- Metadata for 39 calls captured in a single day’s log.
- 44 members of Congress (both parties) whose messages were reviewed, as disclosed on July 14.
- Travel itineraries for Melania and Barron Trump were traced in the weeks leading up to the August 8, 2022 raid.
Official Statements & Responses
The administration said those responsible must be held accountable. The White House also noted that the documents were released by its Government Transparency Task Force, emphasizing that the records reflect standard investigative procedures.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Democratic House Judiciary Committee chief counsel Julian Epstein called the surveillance “a little Nixonian,” questioning the legal justification for monitoring family members and advisors. Former acting assistant U.S. Former RNC official Elizabeth Pipko argued that the focus on Wiles should inspire rather than intimidate women, warning that opponents’ “hatred” creates a climate where political staff become “targets.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we need to have more facts. Look into it. Republicans are rightly concerned about the possible breach of norms and improper access to email,” — Sen. Richard Blumenthal
- “But now we know that DOJ, the FBI, and the wider intelligence community have targeted Catholics, homeschool families, pro-life prayer warriors, and even the then-leading Republican Presidential candidate and his family,” — Democrats. Theo Wold
- “She managed a historic and victorious presidential campaign and became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. Her story should inspire young women. Instead, hatred from President Trump’s opponents teaches young people that if you work for the ‘wrong’ candidate, you and those around you can become targets,” — Elizabeth Pipko, former RNC official