An anti-Trump FBI agent, previously identified, reportedly played a critical role in initiating and advancing the bureau's investigation related to the 2020 election, linking President Donald Trump to the probe without sufficient predication, according to whistleblower disclosures obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley.
The investigation, known as 'Arctic Frost,' was formally opened at the FBI on April 13, 2022, with internal FBI emails and documents shared by Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson revealing FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault's involvement in initiating the case.
Thibault, who had been fired from the FBI for violating the Hatch Act due to his political posts on social media, allegedly took unauthorized actions to involve Trump in the investigation, despite lacking the authority to open criminal investigations in his role.
Email records showed Thibault communicating with subordinates and seeking approval from higher-ups to include Trump as a subject in the investigation. The documents also indicated that DOJ official Richard Pilger approved the FBI's Arctic Frost investigation, leading to a full field criminal and grand jury investigation.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, appointed by former Attorney General Merrick Garland, oversaw the investigation into Trump's retention of classified documents and potential obstruction of the federal government's probe. Smith also looked into allegations of interference with the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election.
Despite charges brought against Trump by Smith, including in the classified records case and the 2020 election case, legal challenges arose. The U.S. District Court dismissed the classified records case due to concerns over Smith's appointment as special counsel, while the 2020 election case was ultimately dismissed after Trump's election as president.
Grassley, during a recent confirmation hearing, expressed the need for a comprehensive review of the matter to uncover additional details and potential records related to the investigation.
