Whistleblower says Jack Smith gathered journalists' messages for Arctic Frost
Former special counsel Jack Smith gathered reporters’ private messages as part of his “Arctic Frost” investigation, according to a whistleblower disclosure to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
TL;DR
- Former special counsel Jack Smith's team obtained private messages of reporters from over a dozen national news organizations.
- The messages were gathered as part of the "Arctic Frost" investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
- The communications were part of White House records subpoenaed from the National Archives, involving 87 phones.
- Journalists from outlets like AP, Reuters, CNN, Fox News, and others had their messages included, but were not direct targets.
- Senator Chuck Grassley disclosed the information, calling it a "disgraceful government overreach."
- Smith maintained the investigation followed DOJ policies and was evidence-driven, not political.
- The investigation also reportedly obtained communications between White House officials and members of Congress, as well as donor checks.
- Smith asserted that records involving lawmakers were relevant to evidence of Trump and allies contacting them.
- Smith denied accusations of targeting Republicans based on political affiliation.