[semimojo]

I do not think that is correct. It has been reported to have ramped up to include the Trump campaign in large numbers, far beyond what might be considered ordinary.

NSA started releasing these numbers in 2015. In the 12 months ending August 2015 there were 9,217 unmasked. In CY17 there were 9,529 and in CY18 there were 16,721.

I think 2019 was around 10K.

Statistical Transparency Report Regarding the Use of National Security Authorities

The unmasking of political opponents is extremely unusual, and beyond the pale.

How do you know they're your political opponents until they're unmasked, and if you know who they are why bother asking for them to be unmasked?

[marktwain]

As we have multiple high-ranking members of the Obama administration doing the unmasking, It would appear knowledge that it was Flynn, was very likely to be spread about in the upper echelons.

As for why, perhaps to show - "member of the club" status (I looked at it too, my status is as high as yours"), or to keep story lines straight, or at the urging of other top ranking members, to be at equal risk, multiple possibilities.