local
Exclusive: Officials asked to turn over phones at the White House as Wiles, Patel lead intensifying leak probe
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 15, 2026
· 5 min read
By Kristen Holmes, Holmes Lybrand, Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN
(CNN) — Chief of staff Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s closest aide, and FBI Director Kash Patel helped personally orchestrate a sprawling investigation last week at the White House aimed at determining who in the government leaked...
Key takeaway Trump had fumed over disclosures about the new plane, sources said, and his government quickly stood up an intense leak probe that roiled the government.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The intensifying leak probe at the White House has significant implications for El Paso residents who value government transparency and accountability. As the investigation unfolds, it raises concerns about the potential chilling effect on federal employees and contractors in the El Paso area who may have information about government activities. With the city's proximity to the US-Mexico border and its role in international trade, El Pasoans may be particularly interested in the security deficiencies of the Qatari-gifted airplane. The fact that some officials were asked to turn over their phones to investigators on White House grounds may also spark debate about the balance between national security and individual privacy rights in the digital age. As the probe continues, El Pasoans will be watching to see how it affects the local community and the broader discussion about government secrecy and the free press.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Kristen Holmes, Holmes Lybrand, Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN
(CNN) — Chief of staff Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s closest aide, and FBI Director Kash Patel helped personally orchestrate a sprawling investigation last week at the White House aimed at determining who in the government leaked...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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