Allegations of Impropriety in FBI’s Investigation of Trump Revealed
EXCLUSIVE: WASHINGTON—A whistleblower report has emerged indicating that an FBI agent previously identified as anti-Trump allegedly violated protocol, significantly influencing the advancement of an investigation linked to the 2020 election that associated former President Donald Trump with criminal activity without adequate justification. This information has been disclosed by Senator Chuck Grassley, who shared internal FBI communications and protected documents with Fox News Digital.
Breaking Down the Investigation: “Arctic Frost”
The investigation in question was initiated on April 13, 2022, and was internally identified as “Arctic Frost.” With Grassley’s assertions, the focus intensifies on FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault, who allegedly played a decisive role in the investigation’s initiation.
Whistleblower Revelations
Documentation reviewed by Fox News reveals that Thibault communicated with a fellow agent regarding the draft opening for the investigation on February 14, 2022. His correspondence indicated a belief that there was sufficient basis to include former President Trump as an investigative subject. Despite his position, sources assert that Thibault was not authorized to initiate criminal inquiries; such authority resides solely with special agents.
Email Trajectory: Thibault’s Initiations
Several emails paint a critical picture of Thibault’s role. On February 24, 2022, Thibault wrote an email to U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutor John Crabb stating, “I had a discussion with the case team, and we believe there to be predication to include former President of the United States Donald J. Trump as a predicated subject.” Within this context, Thibault acknowledged seeking approval from Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray to formalize the investigation.
Following this, there are records from February 25, 2022, suggesting that Trump and other figures were formally added as subjects of the case, with Thibault responding positively, “Perfect.” Such interactions underline a concerning trajectory in how the investigation evolved.
Approval Process and Moving Forward
Further emails demonstrate Thibault’s efforts to obtain requisite approvals for launching the Arctic Frost investigation. One notable email chain reveals that on April 11, 2022, Thibault approved the investigation’s opening, with subsequent communication confirming official approval from the FBI deputy director.
Concerns of Partisanship
Grassley and other whistleblowers have raised alarms about Thibault’s previous actions, suggesting that his partisan affiliations and actions may have negatively influenced the investigations regarding both Trump and Hunter Biden. Reports from July 2022 had already indicated that whistleblowers warned Attorney General Garland that Thibault had a substantial involvement in the decisions surrounding election-related probes against Trump.
Links to the Department of Justice
Grassley’s documentation further implicates an official named Richard Pilger, noted for reviewing and approving the Arctic Frost investigation, indicating that both Thibault and Pilger were pivotal in the decisions leading to Trump’s inclusion as a suspect. This raises questions about the motivations and integrity within the investigative process, especially given Pilger’s ties to earlier controversial instances at the DOJ.
The Bigger Picture: Election Interference Allegations
Grassley and colleagues have suggested that the investigation stems from potentially biased sources. Allegations assert that the documents initiating the investigation were influenced by information derived from “liberal nonprofit American Oversight.” Whistleblower testimonies allege that certain politically charged information was minimized or modified in documents sent to DOJ executives for approval.
Special Counsel Involvement
The investigation moved into a more intense focus with the involvement of Special Counsel Jack Smith. Appointed by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, Smith was tasked with overseeing multiple federal investigations involving Trump, notably tracing classified document retention and questions surrounding attempts to disrupt the transfer of power post-2020 election.
Legal Repercussions and the Path Forward
Trump has been charged in connection to both the classified records and efforts to interfere with the electoral process, though he has maintained a not guilty plea throughout these encounters. Recently, significant developments unfolded in the courts regarding the classified records case, prompting discussions about Smith’s appointment’s legality.
Next Steps and Unfolding Events
During the most recent confirmation hearing for Kash Patel, the nominee for FBI director, Senator Grassley expressed a desire to acquire all related records to thoroughly investigate the allegations surrounding these improprieties. He indicated that understanding the full fact pattern is crucial in evaluating potential ulterior motives at play.
This story is developing. For real-time updates, check back frequently.
