A new legal battle is brewing over the limits of undercover journalism. Former FBI agent Jamie Mannina has filed a federal lawsuit against conservative media figure James O’Keefe, accusing him of illegally recording and misrepresenting private conversations in a sting operation targeting Trump critics.
Dating App Sting Sparks Major Privacy Case
Mannina, who later worked at Booz Allen Hamilton, was secretly recorded during a date arranged through a fake online profile. The woman he met was allegedly working with O’Keefe’s team to catch federal contractors making anti-Trump remarks.
Mannina admits he criticized President Trump, but he claims his words were deceptively edited to falsely suggest he supported a coup. The recordings were published online and widely circulated, leading to Mannina’s termination from Booz Allen and significant personal backlash.
Our latest lawsuit seeks to hold yellow "journalism" accountable for intentionally targeting perceived Democrats on fake dates in order to embarrass & punish them for statements, usually posted out of context, that oppose President Trump or his allies.https://t.co/ACmqlrbF3d
— Mark S. Zaid (@MarkSZaidEsq) May 14, 2025
O’Keefe Defends Tactics, Faces Multiple Allegations
O’Keefe, now leading the O’Keefe Media Group, has doubled down on his methods. “He said what he said,” O’Keefe declared, denying the accusations of deceptive editing and insisting the reporting was truthful.
But the lawsuit filed by attorney Mark Zaid includes serious legal claims: defamation, false light, wiretap violations, and fraudulent misrepresentation. Mannina argues he was targeted because of past anti-Trump writings, and that the operation was designed from the start to destroy his reputation.
The lawyer (@MarkSZaidEsq) representing Jamie Mannina in the lawsuit against myself and O'Keefe Media group is the same guy who sued the Trump administration for revoking his security clearance. You can't make this up.@BradMossEsq https://t.co/702q0LVDAI
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) May 14, 2025
Privacy, Consent, and Political Journalism on Trial
This case could be a landmark moment for digital privacy and press freedom. Legal experts say the use of a fake romantic relationship to obtain and publish private political opinions may cross legal lines, especially if consent to record wasn’t obtained.
With media tactics under growing scrutiny, the court’s ruling could set precedent for future political undercover operations. If Mannina prevails, it may redefine the legal boundaries of investigative journalism, particularly when private citizens are the target.
The trial is expected to test how courts balance First Amendment rights with privacy protections, especially in politically charged environments. For now, O’Keefe’s legal team is preparing for a tough fight as both sides brace for a case that could shape future media investigations.