Documents reveal more extensive vetting of FBI director

Special prosecutor Jack Smith’s investigation into Kash Patel, now the FBI director, was more extensive than previously reported, according to newly released documents.

Subpoenas sent to Verizon sought more than two years of data, including phone records, text messages, emails and IP addresses. The requests were linked to an investigation into US President Donald Trump’s possible interference in the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents.

The material shows that investigators collected not only communications data but also financial and identification information. However, this did not include the content of messages, but so called metadata. It remains unclear whether Patel faced specific allegations.

Republicans have used the findings to criticise the FBI and Smith, while Democrats have defended the practice as standard.

(reuters, pir)