Senator Chuck Grassley, a prominent Republican from Iowa, along with other GOP lawmakers, has recently unveiled a series of subpoenas that they allege were issued during the Arctic Frost investigation, a probe under the Biden administration’s FBI. These subpoenas, numbering 197, are said to have sought records from various Republican entities, media outlets, and congressional members, as part of the FBI’s probe that led to former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election investigation. Grassley, in a press conference, described the initiative as a partisan effort aimed at investigating the entire Republican political apparatus, asserting that it was “a fishing expedition”.
Sen. Ron Johnson, also from Wisconsin, echoed Grassley’s sentiments, calling the subpoenas a “Biden administration enemies list.” The documents, which they obtained through whistleblower disclosures, are said to include nonpublic, confidential grand jury material. These subpoenas sought communications with media companies, including Fox News, CBS, Sinclair, and Newsmax, as well as detailed information from conservative entities. Grassley has been releasing documents related to the Arctic Frost probe, which he claims was politicized and lacked any legitimate basis. Smith, who was responsible for bringing charges against Trump in 2023, now faces scrutiny regarding the legality of the subpoenas he issued.
Lenny Breuer, representing Smith, stated that Smith is willing to appear before the Senate and House to testify about his work as a special counsel. Breuer emphasized that Smith is ready to address questions from lawmakers, just like every other special counsel who has investigated a president. However, House lawmakers have called for a closed-door interview with Smith, while Grassley maintains that he is still seeking more information and is not prepared for a public hearing. Sen. Ted Cruz, also present at the press conference, highlighted the controversial nature of subpoenas for the phone records of eight Republican senators. He noted that his phone company, AT&T, resisted complying with the request and that a federal judge ordered AT&T not to inform Cruz about the request for a year. Grassley mentioned that Verizon also indicated that Cruz’s office’s landline was affected, though he did not elaborate.
The ongoing investigation has faced significant legal challenges, with Smith’s attempt to bring charges against Trump in 2023 ultimately being dismissed after Trump won the 2024 election. The DOJ’s policy against prosecuting sitting presidents played a role in this outcome. Grassley has pledged to ensure accountability for anyone who signed off on the abuse of power, indicating that the inquiry into the Arctic Frost probe remains ongoing.