In a dramatic revelation that has rocked American media circles, former Politico journalist Ryan Lizza has accused his ex-girlfriend Olivia Nuzzi of orchestrating a secret surveillance operation against Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The Alleged Surveillance Operation
According to Lizza's detailed Substack series published on Wednesday, Nuzzi allegedly enlisted sketch artist Isabelle Brourman to visit Trump's Florida home under false pretences. Brourman reportedly carried a hidden recording device in her bag during the summer of 2024 visit, which was supposedly commissioned by New York Magazine for a portrait sitting.
Lizza, 51, wrote that Trump had developed a liking for Brourman when she worked as a sketch artist during his Manhattan trial, and Nuzzi allegedly calculated that the former president would welcome her presence. "She was right," Lizza acknowledged in his piece.
Explosive Trump Comments Revealed
The clandestine operation apparently yielded significant results. During the portrait session, Trump made statements about the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania that, according to Lizza, "would shatter our understanding of recent history."
However, the former Politico reporter has left readers in suspense about the exact nature of Trump's comments, revealing that this information will appear in part five of his eight-part series about his relationship with Nuzzi.
Federal authorities had previously confirmed that Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate Trump, had a documented history of supporting political violence but acted alone in the attack.
Broader Political Implications
Lizza portrays his 32-year-old former partner as operating more like a political operative than a journalist during their relationship, which began the previous year. He claims Nuzzi was gathering material that would "help make Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the next president" during the alleged Mar-a-Lago recording.
The timing of the alleged surveillance coincided with Trump conducting campaign meetings with prominent figures including Matt Gaetz and Susie Wiles, adding another layer of political significance to the claims.
Legal and Professional Consequences
If proven true, these allegations could have serious legal implications for those involved. Florida operates as a two-party consent state, making it illegal to record conversations without permission from all participants.
The controversy has already had professional repercussions for Nuzzi. Following Lizza's initial claims about an affair between Nuzzi and RFK Jr in September 2024, New York Magazine placed her on leave before terminating her employment in October 2024. She has since joined Vanity Fair as their new west coast editor.
Kennedy Jr., who suspended his presidential campaign in August 2024, has denied any physical relationship with Nuzzi, who maintains that her reporting wasn't influenced by personal feelings. The health secretary remains married to Cheryl Hines, 60.
Lizza's comprehensive series also alleges that Nuzzi engaged in "catch-and-kill" practices, acquiring damaging stories about Kennedy Jr.'s campaign to prevent their publication. He insists the scandal fundamentally concerns "journalistic ethics" rather than sexual misconduct.
As the allegations continue to emerge, Nuzzi's position at Vanity Fair appears increasingly uncertain. Company representatives told The New York Times they were "taken by surprise" and are "looking at all the facts." Neither Brourman nor Nuzzi have commented publicly on the latest claims.
