Newly released FBI records show that former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s office approved a covert $20,000 payment to a confidential human source in 2023 as part of the controversial “Arctic Frost” investigation targeting President Donald Trump and his allies over challenges to the 2020 election.
The documents have just been turned over to Congress by FBI Director Kash Patel.
The files outline the scope and tactics of the probe and include an internal email approving the payout.
Approval Came from Smith’s Inner Circle
An email dated June 2, 2023, shows that prosecutorial approval for the payment was communicated by Counselor to the Special Counsel Raymond Hulser.
The memo states the payment “was discussed by Raymond Hulser and Assistant Special Counsel Julia Gegenheimer with Special Counsel Jack Smith.”
An FBI agent wrote to Smith’s office that same day:
“As discussed, request your office’s concurrence in our proposed payment of $20,000 for CHS’s provision of information in support of the investigation.”
Hulser replied succinctly: “Concur, thank you.”
Patel said the disclosure is the latest evidence that Arctic Frost amounted to an “egregious abuse of power and violation of the law.”
Trump Targeted as Media-Driven Probe Expanded
The records show the FBI pushed aggressively to make President Trump himself a formal subject of Arctic Frost, an effort that was ultimately rejected.
They also reveal the bureau leaned heavily on liberal media reporting to justify investigative steps.
The scope of surveillance widened dramatically.
Phone data analysis reached nine Trump allies in Congress, along with his lawyers and outside advisers.
Conservative media personality Steve Bannon appeared on an FBI list of at least 16 Trump associates whose long-distance phone records were scrutinized.
The list also included Bill Stepien, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Cleta Mitchell, and the late former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik.
One memo shows agents analyzed calls from “more than 50 White House-issued cell phones,” excluding the personal devices of Trump and then–Vice President Mike Pence.
Arctic Frost also obtained an order to spy on Republicans from U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, a Democrat-aligned Obama appointee.
The order allowed Smith’s office to collect phone records from eight U.S. senators and one congressman.
That order swept in data tied to hundreds of conservative figures and groups, vastly expanding the probe beyond its original focus.
Lawmakers Vow Legal Action
At least two members of Congress have pledged to sue the Justice Department.
Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) say the investigation violated congressional privilege and constitutional separation of powers.
Other Republican lawmakers described Arctic Frost as a fishing expedition that raised serious Fourth Amendment concerns.
Patel said the document release is part of a broader effort to expose law-enforcement weaponization that had been concealed for years.
“Under my leadership, the FBI is producing documents at record speed to get the facts straight to the American people,” Patel said.
“What occurred in the Arctic Frost matter was an egregious abuse of power and violation of the law.
“This FBI is committed to restoring accountability and public trust.”
Trump Allies Demand Accountability
Former Trump lawyers Jenna Ellis and Cleta Mitchell called the revelations disturbing.
Ellis said the targeting of private citizens for representing Trump “blatantly ignores the Fourth Amendment” and accused Smith’s probe of crossing a constitutional red line.
Mitchell condemned the use of confidential informants against her and the election integrity movement she has led for years, calling the surveillance “absolutely shocking” and demanding an investigation.
Both urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to act.
President Trump responded on Truth Social:
“Deranged Jack Smith should be sitting in prison for all that he has done to disgrace our Country!”
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