GOP Senators Allege FBI Analyzed Personal Phone Records in Jan. 6 Probe, Sparking Outcry

WASHINGTON — Republican senators have revealed that the FBI analyzed the personal cellphone data of nine congressional Republicans as part of its investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The allegations, made public this Monday, have ignited a fresh controversy regarding government oversight and data privacy.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, presented an unclassified document indicating that the cellphone “tolling data” — details on who was called, along with the time, date, and duration of calls — was obtained in 2023. This analysis was conducted under the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” investigation, a precursor to special counsel Jack Smith’s probe into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which concluded after Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory.

The document names nine GOP lawmakers whose data was reportedly analyzed: Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), along with Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).

Senator Grassley vehemently criticized the FBI’s actions, asserting that the records violated the privacy of the Republican lawmakers. He warned of potential repercussions, stating, “If heads don’t roll in this town, nothing changes.”

In response to the revelations, current FBI Director Kash Patel stated Monday night on X that “abuse of power ends now.” Patel pledged that “Under my leadership, the FBI will deliver truth and accountability, and never again be weaponized against the American people.” His statement comes amidst a period of significant change within the bureau, including the dismissal of several FBI agents involved in Jan. 6 cases shortly after Trump returned to office earlier this year, leading to lawsuits filed last month against Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also voiced “grave concerns” over the alleged cellphone data analysis, adding his full support for Senate committees to investigate what he termed an “outrageous abuse of power and weaponization of the government.”

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