Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) has introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg, alleging he compromised judicial impartiality through his role in the “Arctic Frost” scandal. The resolution accuses Boasberg of abuse of power for allowing former special counsel Jack Smith to target Republican lawmakers, operatives, and organizations in a politically motivated probe.
Gill criticized Boasberg’s decisions, stating they created a constitutional crisis by weaponizing judicial authority against political opponents. He emphasized that the impeachment effort aims to hold Boasberg accountable for his “high crimes and misdemeanors.” The Arctic Frost scandal involved subpoenas and gag orders issued by Boasberg, which targeted phone records of 10 Republican senators and one House lawmaker. Smith, who took over the investigation in 2023, expanded it to include over 430 Republican operatives, with documents suggesting plans for a RICO prosecution against the party.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released redacted records showing Verizon complied with gag orders while AT&T did not. Republicans argue Boasberg’s actions violated the Constitution’s speech and debate clause, which shields lawmakers from scrutiny over legislative activities. Boasberg has previously faced Republican criticism, including impeachment threats after a 2023 order paused Trump’s deportation flights to El Salvador.
