Feds marked terms like ‘Trump,’ ‘MAGA’ for banks to review customer data, Jordan claims
Federal Officials Instruct Banks to Monitor Customer Transactions
In a shocking revelation, federal officials have directed banks to scrutinize customer data for any transactions involving terms like “TRUMP” or “MAGA.” The Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government obtained documents that shed light on this intrusive practice.
House Judiciary Chair Requests Interview with Former Director
As the news broke, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan wasted no time. He announced his request for an interview with Noah Bishoff, the former director of the Office of Stakeholder Integration and Engagement in the Strategic Operations Division of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Jordan expressed his concerns, stating, “We now know that the federal government flagged terms like ‘MAGA’ and ‘TRUMP’ to financial institutions. But what else was flagged? If you bought a religious text, like a BIBLE, or shopped at Bass Pro Shop.”
FinCEN’s Request to Banks
According to Jordan, FinCEN asked banks to assist federal law enforcement in identifying transactions related to individuals of interest. They provided the banks with documentation on various typologies and suggested search terms. This included using terms like ‘TRUMP’ and ‘MAGA’ to search Zelle payment messages.
FinCEN also warned financial institutions about indicators of extremism, such as transportation charges to areas with no apparent purpose or the purchase of books and subscriptions containing extremist views. Jordan criticized this invasive financial surveillance, which targets protected political and religious expression.
The feds also identified other transaction keywords, including “Cabela’s” and “Dick’s Sporting Goods.”
Concerns About Civil Liberties
Jordan expressed serious doubts about FinCEN’s respect for fundamental civil liberties. He highlighted the alarming coordination between FinCEN and federal law enforcement in conducting pervasive financial surveillance on Americans’ private transactions.
To address these concerns, Jordan requested that Bishoff be prepared to discuss the safeguards FinCEN has in place to protect constitutional liberties, the government’s use of private financial information, and the coordination between FinCEN and the private sector.
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Additional Request for Interview
In addition to the interview request for Bishoff, Jordan also sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. He requested an interview with FBI official Peter Sullivan regarding the FBI’s request for information from Bank of America on any historical gun purchases made six months before January 6, 2021, by individuals present in Washington, D.C. during that time.
How does the monitoring of customer transactions involving political terms like “TRUMP” or “MAGA” raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties?
Sactions that may be related to “domestic terrorism,” specifically those involving terms like “TRUMP” or “MAGA.” The request was part of an effort to monitor potential threats to national security following the January 6th Capitol riots.
This revelation has raised concerns among lawmakers and privacy advocates, who argue that such monitoring could infringe on individuals’ rights to free speech and personal privacy. The broad scope of the requested monitoring, including terms unrelated to terrorism, has also sparked questions about the government’s overreach.
Banks’ Role and Responsibility
Banks have a legal obligation to assist law enforcement agencies in combating money laundering and other financial crimes. The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to report suspicious activity, including transactions that may indicate potential criminal activity or threats to national security.
However, the recent directive from federal officials goes beyond traditional suspicious activity reporting and raises concerns about the potential for abuse and discrimination. By specifically targeting terms associated with political affiliations, the government risks creating a chilling effect on free speech and political expression.
Implications for Privacy and Democracy
The intrusion into individuals’ financial transactions based on political terms raises significant concerns about privacy and civil liberties. It sets a dangerous precedent where the government could potentially use financial data to profile and target individuals based on their political beliefs.
Moreover, this practice undermines the fundamental principles of democracy. The ability to freely express political beliefs and engage in political activities without fear of government surveillance is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant democracy.
The Importance of Oversight and Transparency
To address the concerns raised by these revelations, it is essential to have oversight and transparency in the processes and procedures followed by federal agencies. Congress must conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of this monitoring practice, its legality, and its impact on individuals’ privacy rights.
Furthermore, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent potential abuses of power. Any monitoring of individuals’ financial transactions should be based on specific and credible intelligence, not political affiliations or expressions.
Conclusion
The recent revelation that federal officials directed banks to monitor customer transactions involving political terms raises serious concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the health of our democracy. The broad scope of this directive and its potential for abuse highlight the need for oversight, transparency, and clear guidelines to protect individuals’ rights while ensuring national security.
By striking a balance between security and privacy, we can maintain the integrity of our financial systems while upholding the principles that form the foundation of our democracy.
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