The FBI memo that initiated the Biden-era Arctic Frost investigation into President Donald Trump and hundreds of his allies over their activities related to January 6 lacked substantial evidence and clear legal justification, according to several former prosecutors and FBI agents who reviewed the newly released document and identified multiple deficiencies.
The investigation, code-named Arctic Frost, was initially led by an FBI supervisor who had expressed anti-Trump sentiments and was later taken over by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
The probe treated the effort by Trump’s allies to submit alternate electors to Congress during the 2020 election certification as a potential criminal conspiracy — despite similar actions in two prior instances of U.S. history not resulting in prosecution, Just the News reported.
According to the newly released materials, the FBI memo that launched the investigation in spring 2022 — around the same time Trump announced his bid for the presidency — relied heavily on interview clips from CNN as primary evidence “suggesting” Trump’s involvement in the alleged conspiracy, the outlet added.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan said Wednesday that he believes the FBI memo authorizing the Arctic Frost investigation was legally flawed and reflected the same politicization and investigative overreach seen in the 2016 Russia collusion probe, code-named “Crossfire Hurricane.”
DOJ Called In After Former FBI Boss Accused of Misleading Lawmakers DOJ Launches Probe Into Former FBI Director Over Alleged False Testimony
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stepped in after accusations that former FBI Director Christopher Wray misled Congress. A government watchdog, the Oversight Project, filed a criminal referral urging the DOJ to investigate Wray for making false statements and obstructing congressional proceedings.
The Richmond Memo Controversy
The issue stems from Wray’s July 2023 testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. He discussed the so-called Richmond memo, which labeled Catholics as potential domestic threats. Wray claimed this memo came from a single FBI field office. He said he was “aghast” when he discovered it and promptly ordered its withdrawal.
Conflicting Evidence Emerges
However, the Oversight Project challenges Wray’s version. Evidence shows that multiple FBI field offices created similar documents. Moreover, a broader draft memo circulated, contradicting Wray’s claims. These findings suggest he may have provided a misleading account to lawmakers.
DOJ’s Next Move and Growing Scrutiny
So far, the DOJ has not publicly confirmed whether it will open a formal investigation. Meanwhile, this referral has intensified scrutiny of the FBI’s actions. It also raises pressing questions about accountability at the bureau’s highest levels.