Trump Justice Department's Secret Phone and Text Message Logs Investigation
The Trump Justice Department secretly obtained phone and text message logs of 43 congressional staffers and 2 members of Congress in a broad leak investigation. The DOJ violated its own policies by seizing communications records of staffers and lawmakers without political motives, but failed to consider constitutional separation of powers. The records included phone and message logs, but not the content of communications. The leak investigations did not result in criminal charges and could be reopened by the new administration.
Key Points
- DOJ secretly obtained phone and text message logs of congressional staffers and members of Congress
- DOJ violated its own policies by seizing communications records without sufficient consideration of constitutional separation of powers
- Leak investigations did not result in criminal charges and could be reopened by the new administration
Pros
- Investigating leaks of classified information to maintain national security
- Taking action against potential breaches of state secrets
Cons
- Violating constitutional separation of powers by seizing communications records of congressional staffers and lawmakers
- Failing to consult the required committee before approving news media subpoenas