Senate Committee Publishes FBI Records on 2021 Surveillance of Republican Lawmakers
New records released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley detail the FBI's Operation Rampart Twelve, which targeted phone records of GOP members based on unsubstantiated rumors. The operation extended into 2022 despite concerns over lack of evidence. It is linked to subsequent investigations involving President Trump.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewU.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman released new records on Tuesday detailing the FBI's surveillance of Republican lawmakers in 2021. The records show that the FBI initiated Operation Rampart Twelve on January 22, 2021, based on rumors from Democrat Rep.
Mikie Sherrill’s Facebook live. Those rumors alleged that Republican representatives Lauren Boebert and Paul Gosar led reconnaissance tours in advance of the January 6 Capitol events. Rep. Mikie Sherrill led a group of more than 30 House Democrats in sending a letter to the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms demanding information about January 5 visitors.
Department of Justice prosecutors voiced concerns that the allegations in Operation Rampart Twelve lacked evidence and legal justification. Operation Rampart Twelve was set to expire in July 2021, but FBI Washington Field Office’s then-assistant special agent in charge Timothy Thibault urged for an extension. The FBI kept Operation Rampart Twelve open until January 27, 2022.
The Federalist reported that the FBI covertly obtained phone toll records of several GOP members of Congress in 2021. News broke in 2025 that the Biden-era FBI spied on eight Republican senators’ personal cell phone information. noted during the April 21 Judiciary subcommittee hearing that Operation Rampart Twelve appeared to be a predecessor case to Arctic Frost.
The investigation known as Arctic Frost formed the basis of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Donald Trump. At least one of the bureaucrats who led the Arctic Frost targeting scheme remains employed at the DOJ.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-21
Sen. Chuck Grassley noted during the April 21 Judiciary subcommittee hearing that Operation Rampart Twelve appeared to be a predecessor case to Arctic Frost.
1 sourceThe Federalist - 2025
News broke in 2025 that the Biden-era FBI spied on eight Republican senators’ personal cell phone information.
1 sourceThe Federalist - 2022-01-27
The FBI kept Operation Rampart Twelve open until January 27, 2022.
1 sourceThe Federalist - 2021-07
Operation Rampart Twelve was set to expire in July 2021, but was extended.
1 sourceThe Federalist - 2021-01-22
The FBI initiated Operation Rampart Twelve on January 22, 2021.
1 sourceThe Federalist - 2021-01-06
Rumors alleged Republican representatives led reconnaissance tours in advance of the January 6 Capitol events.
1 sourceThe Federalist
Potential Impact
- 01
Heightened partisan tensions in Congress over surveillance practices.
- 02
Potential increased scrutiny on past FBI investigations, leading to further congressional hearings.
- 03
Possible calls for accountability or reforms within the DOJ and FBI regarding political investigations.
- 04
Risk of legal challenges or lawsuits from affected Republican lawmakers.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
news.google.comRussia and Ukraine Agree to 72-Hour Ceasefire Starting May 9 With Prisoner Exchange
President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire beginning Saturday, including a suspension of all kinetic activity and an exchange of 1,000 prisoners by each side. Trump, who requested the pause directly from both leaders, described i…
Nbc NewsBobby Cox, Hall of Fame Manager Who Led Braves Dynasty, Dies at 84
Bobby Cox, who managed the Atlanta Braves for 25 seasons and guided the team to 14 consecutive division titles, a 1995 World Series championship and five National League pennants, has died. He finished with 2,504 career wins, fourth all-time, and held the record for most manageri…
BBC NewsStarmer Appoints Gordon Brown as Global Finance Envoy and Harriet Harman to Advise on Violence Against Women
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer named former Prime Minister Gordon Brown as special envoy on global finance and Baroness Harriet Harman as adviser on violence against women and girls. The moves came after heavy Labour losses in which the Scottish National Party won sweeping victo…