Investigation into Trump Tied to FBI Protocol Violations
WASHINGTON -- A whistleblower report disclosed by Senator Chuck Grassley reveals that an anti-Trump FBI agent allegedly broke protocol while advancing the bureau's investigation into President Donald Trump related to the 2020 election. The internal investigation, known as "Arctic Frost," was officially opened on April 13, 2022.
Senators Grassley and Ron Johnson shared internal FBI emails and documents, claiming that FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault played a critical role in launching the investigation without sufficient justification.
Fox News Digital previously reported on Thibault's dismissal from the FBI due to violations of the Hatch Act, linked to his politically charged social media posts. Whistleblowers suggested that Thibault's actions might have influenced inquiries involving Trump and Hunter Biden.
During the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing for Trump's FBI director nominee, Grassley disclosed that Thibault facilitated the investigation's opening. Internal emails reflect Thibault's communications indicating Trump was to be included as a subject of the investigation.
Thibault reportedly initiated the investigation despite lacking authorization to open criminal inquiries. Further emails reveal discussions on seeking approval and subsequent actions to include Trump as a subject less than a month after the investigation's start.
Grassley raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation, mentioning that documentation connecting Thibault and DOJ official Richard Pilger suggested partisan influences in the investigation's initiation. Pilger's approval was crucial for progressing the full criminal inquiry that would transition into Special Counsel Jack Smith's case against Trump.
Smith, appointed as special counsel in late 2022, oversaw investigations into Trump's classified documents and alleged electoral interference. After Trump was charged in both cases, he pleaded not guilty.
Grassley is seeking to understand the complete record on the investigation's procedures and the involvement of other officials.
