FBI Director Kash Patel has ordered the closure of the office of internal auditing, a watchdog unit established in 2020 to monitor compliance with warrantless surveillance laws, according to the New York Times. The unit was created under former Attorney General William Barr following concerns that Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Fisa) was being used to surveil Americans communicating with foreign targets.
Patel, a vocal critic of the FBI before his appointment, previously claimed that Fisa was abused to target supporters of Donald Trump. During his Senate confirmation hearings, he softened his stance, describing the law as a vital tool for national security. The closure of the oversight office may reignite debate over Section 702, which is due for renewal in 2026.
The office of internal auditing was formed after a 2019 inspector general report into the FBI's Russia investigation revealed compliance failures. Barr's order mandated a 'robust internal compliance program' to ensure adherence to laws and procedures governing FBI activities. The unit was intended to audit national security operations, but it has now been absorbed into the bureau's inspection division.
Cindy Hall, who led the office of internal auditing, has abruptly retired. Critics argue that Section 702 violates Americans' privacy rights by allowing warrantless collection of communications involving US citizens. Patel rose to prominence in 2018 as a Republican congressional staffer criticising FBI wiretaps of a Trump campaign adviser during the Russia probe, claims later found to be largely baseless.
