Newly released Senate documents have revealed that the FBI under Joe Biden’s administration targeted nearly 400 Republican figures and organisations during its investigation into alleged interference in the 2020 US election.
The probe, known as ‘Operation Arctic Frost, began in April 2022 under then-FBI Director Christopher Wray and served as the foundation for the criminal case against Donald Trump — later dropped in 2024 after his return to the White House.
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley unveiled 197 subpoenas issued by former special counsel Jack Smith’s team, demanding communications and financial data from 34 individuals and 163 businesses and organisations, as well as records from Republican lawmakers and political staff. Grassley described the operation as an example of “partisan weaponization” within federal law enforcement.
Senator Ted Cruz revealed his phone records were among those secretly obtained and accused federal judge James Boasberg of “abusing his power” for blocking disclosure of the subpoena. Cruz called the probe “Joe Biden’s Watergate,” while Trump denounced the operation as a political witch hunt and demanded criminal investigations into the officials involved.
Image credit: David Trinks
