In the United States, prior to January 6th, 2021, financial surveillance operated within a limited legal framework designed specifically to combat money laundering and terrorism. Back then, judicial oversight and established legal protocols operated as essential checks, ensuring that any government intrusion into citizens' financial lives followed the rule of law. However, the Capitol protests altered this delicate balance. Under the Biden administration, surveillance has shifted from a necessary tool for national security to a blunt instrument wielded against political dissent, particularly targeting those associated with Donald Trump and the broader "MAGA" movement. For example, individuals who attended rallies or donated to conservative causes have found themselves subjected to increased scrutiny, with their financial transactions, travel history, and even personal communications coming under intense examination.
