New details have surfaced about a covert Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operation under the Biden-Harris administration, revealing that up to 160 Republicans were subjected to surveillance. The House Judiciary Committee disclosed the findings on October 28, sparking outrage over what critics describe as systemic abuse of power.
Internal documents obtained by the committee indicate the “Arctic Frost” investigation, led by former FBI Director Christopher Wray and later overseen by special prosecutor Jack Smith, targeted prominent conservative figures and activists. The materials highlight that 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, were under scrutiny. An additional 111 Republicans, such as trade adviser Peter Navarro and senior adviser Dan Scavino, were flagged for potential investigation.
The probe allegedly involved tracking private communications of GOP lawmakers, with ten Republican senators’ phone records analyzed for call metadata during the week of January 6. Emails from May 2022 reveal regional FBI offices collaborated on Arctic Frost, allocating resources for over 40 interviews and search warrants. A September 2022 subpoena list identified numerous Republican-linked activists and officials tied to the 2020 election aftermath.
President Donald J. Trump condemned the revelations, labeling the suspects “thugs” and demanding their prosecution. He also attacked Jack Smith as a “deranged criminal.” Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the disbandment of the CR-15 squad, a unit linked to Arctic Frost, citing efforts to “clean up a diseased temple” by removing agents accused of weaponizing law enforcement for political ends.
The materials also reveal internal FBI terminology, including “threat tags” such as “FRAUD CORRUPT” and “PCORRUPT_CAMP,” alongside references to a 2020 “Tactical Intelligence Report.” A memo signed by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and Wray confirmed top officials approved the investigation.
