Indeed, it is quite likely that Merkel was less interesting at the time they started tapping her phone than Bill Gates is now (or has been since Win95). Her phone was already being tapped in 2002, when she had freshly become opposition leader in Parliament.
If push comes to shove, I wonder if waving around that "US citizen" badge actually protects you from _any_ snooping.
Tapping a politician's phone is always more "interesting", especially if the politician is from another country. I don't think the "US citizen" badge means anything anymore. If you are a prominent subject who is even slightly important, you come under the radar.
If push comes to shove, I wonder if waving around that "US citizen" badge actually protects you from _any_ snooping.