Newly released White House documents describe FBI actions in the “Plasmic Echo” investigation into classified records retained at Mar-a-Lago after Trump’s first term.
- In late May 2022, agents were directed to finalize details on Donald, Melania, and Barron Trump’s travel—including aircraft type and specific timelines—so a search warrant could be served after the former president left the property; the raid occurred on August 8, 2022.
- From February to May 2023, the FBI used a pen register and trap-and-trace device on Susie Wiles’ phone (then running Trump’s political operation) that logged call numbers, times, and durations with at least 21 affiliated lawyers, campaign aides, and journalists; the released records do not show capture of call content.
- Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray recommended and Attorney General Merrick Garland approved the sensitive investigation in 2022, noting it could involve senior figures from the prior administration and risk disruption if disclosed before an election; special counsel Jack Smith later took over the probe.
