Former Representative Louie Gohmert has publicly accused ex-Special Counsel Jack Smith of a disturbing overreach, alleging the targeting of his personal phone records during the January 6th investigation. Gohmert believes this action fundamentally undermines the carefully constructed balance of power envisioned by America’s founding fathers.
The allegations center around a document recently shared with Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson, revealing a request for Gohmert’s, and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s, private cell phone toll records. This request, reportedly made in January 2023, sought data spanning November 2020 to January 2021 – a period encompassing the aftermath of the presidential election and the events of January 6th.
Gohmert expressed outrage, comparing Smith’s actions to a “witch hunt” and a blatant disregard for the Fourth Amendment. He argued the investigation lacked the necessary probable cause and specific justification required for such intrusive measures, exceeding the boundaries of legal authority.
The core of Gohmert’s concern isn’t simply about his own privacy, but the chilling effect this could have on vital communication with sources within the Justice Department and FBI. He fears the seizure of his records could expose individuals who bravely reported potential wrongdoing within those agencies, effectively silencing future whistleblowers.
He emphasized the critical separation of powers, stating that targeting the records of members of Congress creates a dangerous precedent. A “wall” must exist to protect the legislative branch from executive overreach, and this incident, he believes, threatens that essential safeguard.
Gohmert acknowledged his trust in the current leadership of the DOJ and FBI, expressing hope that any potential crimes committed will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law. He believes accountability is paramount to restoring faith in the system.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has vowed to pursue legal action against Smith, denouncing the investigation as a politically motivated weaponization of the Justice Department. He intends to demand accountability through congressional hearings and a full investigation into Smith’s conduct.
This revelation follows previous reports detailing Smith’s team’s tracking of the private communications of numerous Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham and Marsha Blackburn. These actions involved subpoenaing major telephone providers for data collected in 2023.
Smith has defended his actions as “entirely proper” and consistent with established Justice Department policy, claiming the data collection was narrowly focused on the days surrounding the January 6th riot. However, the scope and implications of the investigation continue to draw intense scrutiny.
The “Arctic Frost” probe, as it’s been dubbed, is now under increased review, with an FBI official describing it as a “prohibited case” requiring exceptional transparency. This ongoing investigation promises to reveal further details about the extent of Smith’s actions and their potential impact on constitutional principles.
