Whispers in the Wire: The Memo the FBI Didn’t Want You to See
Top Biden Officials Linked to Secret FBI Surveillance of Republican Lawmakers, Memo Reveals
A newly uncovered internal memo has set off shockwaves across Washington, raising disturbing questions about the Biden administration’s use of federal law enforcement power. The document, obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R–IA), reportedly details how top Justice Department (DOJ) and FBI officials authorized a covert surveillance operation that targeted communications involving several Republican members of Congress.
The memo, tied to a classified investigation known as Operation Arctic Frost, suggests that the program was approved at the highest levels — including signatures from Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray. The findings have ignited accusations of political weaponization within agencies meant to remain neutral and independent.
A Secret Operation With Far-Reaching Implications
According to summaries reviewed by congressional investigators, Operation Arctic Frost was launched under Special Counsel Jack Smith as part of an inquiry into alleged efforts to obstruct the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
However, sources close to Grassley’s office say the program had no clear legal justification. “It appears national security tools were misused for partisan purposes,” one congressional staffer stated.
The memo allegedly shows that the FBI was granted broad authority to monitor both digital and phone communications from sitting lawmakers — including some not accused of any crimes. Among those believed to have been caught in the sweep were Sen. Ted Cruz (R–TX) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R–MO), both vocal critics of President Biden.
While neither senator has confirmed being directly targeted, Cruz’s office acknowledged noticing “unusual communications activity” during early 2023.
Authorization From the Top
What makes this revelation particularly explosive is its chain of approval. Grassley’s memo reportedly includes direct authorization from Garland and Wray, suggesting that the surveillance was not the work of rogue agents but a calculated decision by top officials.
Grassley, who has long served as one of Congress’s leading watchdogs, called the findings “deeply troubling.”
“If true, this confirms the FBI and DOJ engaged in surveillance of sitting members of Congress without legitimate cause,” Grassley said. “That would represent a blatant abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.”
The Justice Department declined to comment on the memo directly but insisted that all actions taken were “lawful and consistent with established protocols.” Still, the secrecy surrounding the operation has fueled bipartisan concern.
Echoes of Past Controversies
Critics immediately drew parallels between Arctic Frost and earlier politically charged investigations, including the 2016 “Crossfire Hurricane” probe into Donald Trump’s campaign, which inspectors later found was based on flawed intelligence.
“This looks like history repeating itself,” said former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy. “Each time conservatives gain ground politically, federal resources suddenly shift to target them. That’s not oversight — it’s intimidation.”
No Clear Legal Basis
Perhaps most alarming to investigators is the absence of a clear predicate — the factual foundation required by law to justify surveillance.
“There was no credible evidence linking these senators to criminal activity,” a senior aide to Grassley said. “It was a fishing expedition designed to build a political narrative.”
If the FBI indeed monitored members of Congress without concrete cause, it could violate the Speech or Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which shields lawmakers from executive interference in their official duties.
Did Biden Know?
The next major question is what President Biden knew — and when. While his name reportedly doesn’t appear in the memo, intelligence experts say any operation involving surveillance of lawmakers would almost certainly require White House awareness.
“It’s nearly impossible for a president to be completely in the dark about this kind of activity,” said James Woolsey, former CIA Director. “Such surveillance would have to be approved at multiple levels — and the Executive Office would be notified.”
If accurate, this could directly implicate the administration in the decision-making process behind the operation.
Calls for Accountability
Grassley and other Republican senators are demanding immediate hearings and a full release of the documents. Sen. Rand Paul (R–KY) described the memo as “proof that the weaponization of government against political opponents has gone too far.”
“If the DOJ can spy on members of Congress,” Paul said, “they can spy on anyone in America.”
Democrats, meanwhile, have largely dismissed the allegations. Sen. Dick Durbin (D–IL) called the claims “overblown conspiracy politics,” though privately, some aides admit the optics are troubling.
A Growing Crisis of Trust
The controversy adds to a widening credibility gap between the American public and its institutions. Polls already show declining trust in the FBI and DOJ, particularly among conservatives, amid repeated allegations of bias.
“When justice starts to look selective — when investigations appear politically motivated — rebuilding trust becomes nearly impossible,” said historian Douglas Brinkley.
What Comes Next
The Senate Judiciary Committee is preparing to hold closed-door briefings on the matter in the coming weeks. If the agencies refuse to cooperate, subpoenas could follow.
Meanwhile, sources say Operation Arctic Frost has been quietly shelved — without explanation.
To Grassley, that silence speaks volumes.
“If there’s truly nothing to hide,” he said, “then it’s time to declassify the truth.”