Newly released Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) files revealed that former Special Counsel Jack Smith issued nearly 200 subpoenas targeting Republican organizations, officials, and donors as part of a Justice Department investigation under the Biden government. The subpoenas were part of Smith’s “Arctic Frost” probe and became public on Wednesday through Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office.
The investigation involves Sen. Grassley (R-IA), House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, and Republican groups such as Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and the Republican Attorneys General Association. Jordan condemned the probe as “politically motivated” in a letter demanding Smith testify before Congress.
Congressional Republicans have called for investigations into U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, who issued non-disclosure orders preventing public knowledge of the subpoenas. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) announced plans to draft articles of impeachment against Boasberg, while Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) signaled similar intentions. The scope of the probe includes requests for telecom carriers to provide cellular data for around a dozen Republican lawmakers, with Boasberg and U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell blocking disclosure.
Gill accused Boasberg of “weaponizing judicial authority” to target political opponents, citing his role in enabling the Arctic Frost scandal. The investigation, framed as examining alleged ties between President Trump and January 6 events, has drawn accusations of partisan overreach. Subpoenas targeted financial institutions and Trump-aligned PACs, suggesting efforts to build monetary links for potential prosecutions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The National Pulse reported that Smith issued 197 subpoenas affecting over 430 Republican entities, with Grassley calling it a “fishing expedition” to scrutinize the GOP apparatus. The controversy highlights tensions over judicial oversight and allegations of abuse of investigative power under the Biden administration.
