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EXCLUSIVE: Former Representative Louie Gohmert has voiced strong criticism against ex-Special Counsel Jack Smith for allegedly targeting his personal phone records during the investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Gohmert stated that such actions undermine the fundamental checks and balances established by the founding fathers.
On Thursday morning, Fox News Digital exclusively reported that Smith sought private phone records not only from Gohmert but also from then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Smith Pursued Phone Records of Key Politicians
Documents shared by FBI Director Kash Patel with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Ron Johnson provided explosive revelations regarding this investigation. Grassley and Johnson are currently leading a joint inquiry into Smith’s actions under the moniker “Arctic Frost.”
The documents reveal that on January 24, 2023, Smith allegedly pursued “toll records for the personal cell phones of U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (AT&T) and U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert (Verizon).”
This request was included in a “significant case notification” that was drafted by the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division on May 25, 2023.
Gohmert expressed his astonishment at Smith’s actions, stating, “It is astounding that Jack ‘Frost’ Smith has engaged in this persecution. Apparently, he has never read the Fourth Amendment, which requires specific descriptions of what is being sought—there should be probable cause, and they had none. It appears they are conducting a witch hunt.”
Smith’s investigation demanded access to Gohmert’s personal cellphone records spanning from November 2020 through the end of January 2021.
Gohmert further elaborated, stating, “They have no respect for the Fourth Amendment, making Watergate seem like a minor issue in comparison.” He noted that the principle at stake goes beyond individual records.
Concerns Over Government Overreach
Gohmert emphasized the importance of the separation of powers, explaining, “The real problem lies with the separation of powers. I have regularly heard from whistleblowers within the DOJ and the FBI about various overreaches. By taking my records, they are suppressing the reporting of potential misconduct by individuals within these agencies.”
He argued that such actions cannot simply be justified by obtaining a warrant, asserting that a clear barrier must exist. “You can’t seize members of Congress’ records without proper cause, and that separation of powers is what troubles me the most,” he added.
During the period when Smith sought Gohmert’s records, the former representative mentioned he could not recall specific conversations but maintained that he had a responsibility to protect the identities of those who had contacted him with their concerns. He said, “The last thing I want is for someone who trusted me to disclose their name to have some unprofessional investigator like Jack ‘Frost’ Smith seize my records and find out about their disclosures.”
Gohmert reiterated, “This practice destroys the checks and balances that our founders fought to establish.”
Trust in Current Justice Department Leadership
Despite his concerns, Gohmert asserted that he has faith in the current leadership of the Justice Department and the FBI, stating, “I trust the DOJ and those leading the FBI. We will see if any rule-breaking occurred and whether they can pursue proper prosecutions, abiding by the Constitution.”
As Gohmert discussed these serious allegations, McCarthy declared intentions to take legal action against Smith.
McCarthy remarked, “Jack Smith’s extreme and irrational investigation was never about truth-seeking. It represents a blatant misuse of the Justice Department to attack political adversaries of the Biden administration. This is underlined by his illegal attempt to access the phone records of sitting members of Congress, including the Speaker of the House.”
He further added, “Smith’s unlawful targeting warrants accountability. I am confident that Congress will conduct hearings and scrutinize documents in its investigation into Smith’s own misconducts.”
McCarthy also announced plans to enlist legal counsel to pursue all forms of redress to prevent similar invasions from affecting others in the future.
Wider Implications of the Investigation
The recent revelations follow previous reporting by Fox News Digital, which indicated that Smith’s “Arctic Frost” team had also been monitoring the private communications and phone calls of several Republican senators during the probe, including notable figures such as Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, and Josh Hawley.
According to insiders, these records were reportedly obtained through subpoenas issued to major telecommunications providers.
Defending his approach, Smith labeled his decision to track the phone records of Republican lawmakers as proper and aligned with Justice Department policies. He stated, “The data collection was narrowly focused, limited to the period from January 4, 2021, to January 7, 2021, and specifically aimed at telephonic activity occurring around the January 6 riots.”
Grassley and Johnson have maintained an active investigation into the practices employed by Smith in this matter.
In an official statement to Fox News Digital, an FBI official characterized the “Arctic Frost” case as “prohibited,” indicating that its examination necessitated a heightened standard of transparency.
Considering Smith’s extensive inquiry, he previously charged former President Donald Trump in connection to the 2020 election case, only to later seek its dismissal following Trump’s presidential victory. The District Court, under Judge Tanya Chutkan, granted this dismissal request.
As the dust settles on this controversial investigation, it remains essential to closely monitor its developments and implications for justice and governance.
