Verdict with Ted Cruz

BONUS POD: Biden FBI Spied on Eight Republican Senators as Part of Arctic Frost Investigation
Date: October 7, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz & Ben Ferguson

Overview

This bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Ben Ferguson, dives into explosive revelations that the FBI, under the Biden administration, conducted surveillance on eight sitting Republican senators and one Republican congressman as part of the Arctic Frost investigation. The episode dissects newly declassified records, features commentary from the senators involved, and raises serious concerns about the politicization and weaponization of federal law enforcement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking the Story: FBI Surveillance on GOP Lawmakers

[06:32] Ben Ferguson

• Newly declassified FBI documents reveal the agency conducted toll analysis (review of call data, including location and contacts) on eight GOP senators and a Republican representative.
• Investigation was part of the so-called "Arctic Frost" probe, with connection to previous whistleblower disclosures that flagged over 100 conservative groups targeted.
• The senators were not official targets of any criminal investigation, leading to accusations of political motives.

"This is the weaponization, literally, of our federal government right before our eyes."
— Ben Ferguson [08:48]

2. Details of the Declassified Documents

[07:10] Ben Ferguson

• FBI document dated September 27, 2023, details the use of "preliminary toll analysis" on:
  • Senators Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, Ron Johnson, Josh Hawley, Cynthia Lummis, Bill Hagerty, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville
  • Representative Mike Kelly
• FBI special agents and supervisory staff approved and managed these investigations; their names are redacted.
• The probe was led by Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team.

3. Lawmakers’ Press Conference Reaction

[10:48] Clips from Senators Grassley, Johnson, and Hagerty

Senator Chuck Grassley [10:48]

• Emphasizes the political motivation behind the request for phone records.
• Thanks whistleblowers and calls for continued exposure.

"We can find for the solicitation of these telephone records, which I think emphasizes the political weaponization that was behind all this effort..."
— Sen. Chuck Grassley [10:48]

Senator Ron Johnson [12:55]

• Outlines the timeline: Mar-a-Lago raid in August 2022, Trump indictments August 2023, surveillance of lawmakers September 2023.
• Points out that both he and Grassley were surveilled previously under Obama, calling this a pattern.

"We were surveilled simply for being Republicans. This does not surprise me. But it should shock every American."
— Sen. Ron Johnson [08:39]

Senator Bill Hagerty [14:42]

• Ties the FBI's actions back to the Obama administration, saying the surveillance of the Trump transition team in 2016 set a precedent.
• Argues the current case demonstrates the FBI's “rotten to the core” politicization.

"It shows you how out of control and rotten to the core and politicized the FBI had become..."
— Sen. Bill Hagerty [14:42]

4. Implications and Calls for Accountability

[15:49] Ben Ferguson

• The revelations have prompted the lawmakers to demand further congressional investigation.
• Dan Bongino (former Secret Service, media commentator) briefed the senators, calling the situation “a disgrace.”
• Cash Patel, interim FBI director, promises reforms and transparency.

"That abuse of power ends now. Under my leadership, the FBI will deliver truth and accountability and never again be weaponized against the American people."
— Ben Ferguson quoting Cash Patel [17:19]

5. Historical Context & Broader Significance

• Multiple senators connect these revelations to previous instances of surveillance and alleged deep state activity, especially surrounding the 2016 election and Trump’s presidency.
• Senator Hawley is quoted as comparing these events as “beyond Watergate, beyond J. Edgar Hoover,” striking at the heart of constitutional separation of powers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Senator Ron Johnson:
  "There’s no predicate, there’s no reason for this other than [a] fishing expedition, which again should outrage and shock every American." [13:18]
• Senator Bill Hagerty:
  "This is as partisan as it gets. The FBI and the corruption that's running there has to be cleared out." [14:21]
• Ben Ferguson:
  "What are you waiting for? Call Patriot Mobile today and make a difference every single day with every call you make." [ad promo skipped, content resumes at 06:31]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [06:32] — Introduction of FBI surveillance revelations
• [08:48] — Details from FBI declassified documents
• [10:48] — Press conference: Grassley, Johnson, Hagerty comments
• [15:49] — Panel reaction and Cash Patel’s statement
• [17:19] — Commitment to accountability and call for whistleblowers

Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, the tone is urgent, indignant, and alarmed, reflecting the panel’s view that the story represents a grave threat to republican institutions and individual rights. The language is direct, politically charged, and occasionally accusatory, consistent with the conservative perspective of the hosts and guests.

Summary

This episode frames the newly-revealed FBI surveillance as a blatant abuse of power targeting Republican lawmakers. The discussion blends factual reporting on the documents with calls for action, underscoring deep concerns over governmental overreach and politicization. Calls for further investigation, protection of whistleblowers, and reform of federal agencies are recurrent, with several senators urging for this information to spread broadly to the American public.