The House Judiciary Committee is investigating the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General (OIG) for its alleged involvement in actions against former President Donald Trump, according to a letter from Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. The inquiry focuses on the OIG's role in the 2022 seizure of Rep. Scott Perry's cell phone as part of the Arctic Frost investigation, which has been linked to Special Counsel Jack Smith's legal actions against Trump.
In a letter obtained by The Federalist, Jordan requested that Acting DOJ IG Don Richard Berthiaume, Jr. provide records related to the OIG's participation in the confiscation of Perry's device. Jordan stated, "Reports indicate that Representative Perry’s phone ‘was imaged after the search,’ creating a forensic copy of the device’s contents — including communications protected by common-law privileges as well as the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause."
Jordan expressed concerns about the OIG's involvement, suggesting it undermines the office's independence. He noted that at least one OIG agent assisted in the forensic review of Perry's phone, raising questions about the motivations behind the investigation.
The Judiciary Committee's inquiry also highlights recent revelations that the FBI sought phone records from eight Republican senators and a Republican House member as part of the Arctic Frost investigation. According to a Senate Judiciary Committee press release, the data obtained includes call times, recipients, duration, and general location, but does not contain call content.
Jordan remarked, "These reports raise concerns about the OIG’s potential involvement in obtaining the Members’ phone records given its prior involvement in obtaining a Member’s cell phone."
The investigation extends beyond individual members of Congress. Documents released by the Senate Judiciary Committee indicate that the FBI sought subpoenas for the bank records and communications of various conservative figures and organizations, including Ed Corrigan of the Conservative Partnership Institute and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Jordan has requested that Berthiaume Jr. provide all documents and communications related to the seizure of cell phones from any Member of Congress and those pertaining to obtaining phone records of any Member of Congress. He has also asked for a briefing with the DOJ OIG to discuss its involvement in the Arctic Frost investigation, with a deadline for document submission set for 5 p.m. on November 26.
The inquiry reflects broader concerns among Republican lawmakers regarding the perceived targeting of political opponents by federal agencies under the Biden administration. The Judiciary Committee's actions signal a continued focus on accountability and transparency within the DOJ and its affiliated offices.
Why it matters
- Primary documents and sources are linked for verification.
- The House Judiciary Committee is probing the OIG's role in actions against Trump, raising concerns about political bias in federal investigations.
- The inquiry highlights potential overreach by the DOJ, particularly in the seizure of Rep. Perry's phone, which may violate constitutional protections.
- The investigation reflects growing Republican concerns over federal agencies targeting political opponents, signaling a push for accountability.
What’s next
- Jordan has requested all documents related to the seizure of cell phones from Congress members by November 26.
- A briefing with the DOJ OIG is sought to discuss its involvement in the Arctic Frost investigation.
- The inquiry may lead to further investigations into the FBI's actions against Republican lawmakers.