Secret Service tailed Comey in unmarked cars, tracked his cell phone after ‘86 47’ post: NYT

Investigations and Scrutiny - Former FBI Director James Comey was investigated by the Secret Service after a social media post, leading to physical and electronic surveillance deemed excessive by some officials [2][3][4][7] - The Secret Service defended its actions by citing numerous threats against the President of the United States [6] - Both Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan have been under criminal investigation, with Brennan's case stemming from a CIA review of the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian interference [10][12] - Critics suggest these investigations are politically motivated, designed to distract from other issues, such as the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation [14][15][17] Political Context and Motivations - The investigations into Comey and Brennan are seen by some as a way for Trump's allies to appease the MAGA base and deflect criticism from officials like Pam Bondi and Kash Patel [18][19][23] - There's a perception that these actions are driven by Trump's desire for revenge and retribution against those he perceives as enemies [23][26] - The constant revisiting of old allegations against Comey and Brennan, despite a lack of new evidence, is attributed to their status as "boogeymen" for Trump and his supporters [23] Impact on Individuals - The "specter of criminality" associated with these investigations can have a significant impact on the individuals involved, their families, and their reputations [25][26][28]