a catalogue of documented anomalies on planet Earth // maintained by the Aliens
> RECORD OBS-0896 | status: PARTIALLY SUBSTANTIATED | filed 2026-07-31
Home > Government > Project Mockingbird (wiretap)

Project Mockingbird (wiretap)

RecordOBS-0896
CategoryGovernment/Surveillance
StatusPARTIALLY SUBSTANTIATED
SummaryProject Mockingbird was a CIA operation in the early 1960s that wiretapped the telephones of syndicated columnists Robert Allen and Paul Scott. The operation aimed to identify sources of classified information leaked to the journalists.
OriginThe operation began in March 1963 and lasted about 90 days, as documented in CIA files and the 'Family Jewels'.
Claimed
  • The CIA wiretapped the homes and office of columnists Allen and Scott.
  • The wiretap was approved by the Director of Central Intelligence at the request of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
  • The operation identified sources including members of Congress and executive branch officials.
Evidence / consensusThe wiretap is confirmed by declassified CIA documents and the 'Family Jewels'. The operation was a real surveillance activity, though its scope and success are documented in limited detail.
> OBSERVER NOTE:
This is the documented reality behind the 'Mockingbird' name. It was a targeted wiretap, not a media manipulation program.

Sources

  1. O-R (IV-FF), Project MOCKINGBIRD - Telephone Tap of Newspaper Columnists
  2. CIA director personally intervenes in press wiretapping matter

Sources are external and provided for verification. Listing does not imply the Observer endorses their claims.