The document, part of the FBI’s case “Arctic Frost,” allegedly shows that phone toll analyses included contact numbers and call locations. The investigation was launched in April 2022 and included data obtained via subpoenas to major telecom companies. Sources say the monitored communications were likely related to discussions on the certification of the 2020 election results.
The findings were reportedly uncovered by FBI Director Kash Patel during an oversight review prompted by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Following the discovery, former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino and Patel began briefing the targeted lawmakers. Bongino told Fox News, “The FBI was once weaponized to track the private communications of U.S. lawmakers for political purposes… That era is over.”
FBI officials confirmed that the records were part of a broader internal review and emphasized a commitment to transparency. The revelations have raised concerns among lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who view the surveillance as politically motivated and a serious breach of privacy.
Smith, who previously charged former President Trump over election interference, later moved to dismiss the case after Trump returned to office. The investigation reportedly cost taxpayers over $50 million and remains under congressional scrutiny as GOP leaders call for accountability and reform within the Justice Department and FBI.
