Summary
The FBI analyzed phone records of several Republican lawmakers in 2023 as part of an investigation into efforts by President Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election results. The investigation followed actions taken during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, but was later closed after legal opinions indicated a sitting president cannot be federally prosecuted. Republican senators, including Chuck Grassley, disclosed these details, expressing concerns over rights violations.
Key Facts
- The FBI looked at phone records of more than six Republican lawmakers in 2023.
- This was part of a probe into President Trump's efforts related to the 2020 election.
- Investigators could see call details like date and time, but not the call content.
- The investigation focused on actions around January 6, 2021, during the Capitol riot.
- Trump was indicted in August 2023 but the case was later dropped.
- The phone records analysis was authorized by a grand jury.
- Seven senators and one representative had their records examined.
- Lawmakers criticized the investigation, calling it a violation of rights.
