The FBI has launched an investigation into the Trump campaign regarding alleged misuse of campaign funds for casino gambling, based on documents released by Kash Patel, former director of the FBI. These documents, referred to as the “Arctic Frost” files, were sent to the House Judiciary Committee and reveal details about a potential “October Surprise” that few were aware of until now.
A memo found within the 235-page document outlines how the FBI’s Washington Field Office examined financial records and campaign expenditure reports. The assessment aimed to connect the Trump campaign with American Made Media Consultants (AMMC), suggesting that a campaign employee may have used funds for gambling activities. Dated October 21, 2020, the memo stated, “FBI Washington Field Office assesses the use of AMMC as a clearinghouse for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. spending is likely vulnerable to campaign finance crimes.”
The report highlights that a campaign official, identified as the Trump campaign’s digital director, received payments through AMMC, which were allegedly used for gambling at various casinos, including MGM National Harbor. Although the individual’s name is redacted in the report, it is believed to refer to Gary Coby, who served in this role throughout the campaign.
The FBI noted a correlation between the funds disbursed to the campaign official and increased gambling expenditures. The intelligence report indicated that this observation was based on the timing of AMMC’s formation and the subsequent rise in gambling activity associated with the individual.
While the FBI’s report recommended further investigation into potential federal election crimes, it also expressed “low confidence” in the likelihood of a crime occurring. According to Just the News, the inquiry into AMMC stemmed from accusations by a watchdog group, the Campaign Legal Center, which alleged that the Trump campaign obscured approximately $170 million in spending through pass-through vendors like AMMC.
The released memo is part of the broader “Arctic Frost” documentation that has laid the groundwork for Special Counsel Jack Smith‘s ongoing investigation into Trump and his associates. In a statement, Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, described the investigation as a “fishing expedition” and criticized the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) for their approach.
In response to the controversy, Judiciary Committee Republicans claimed that the investigation exemplifies a misuse of power reminiscent of the Watergate scandal. Their assertions came alongside news that subpoenas had been issued requesting information on 430 named Republican individuals and entities, including banks and political action committees.
This investigation is not the first time the FBI has scrutinized Trump’s activities. It follows previous inquiries, including the Robert Mueller investigation, which examined Russian interference in the 2016 election. In contrast, the FBI had previously closed an investigation into the former president’s son, and the DOJ faced challenges in prosecuting Trump during the 2024 campaign cycle regarding allegations of election interference.
As the inquiry progresses, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect Trump’s political future and the broader Republican landscape leading into the next election cycle. The implications of these findings could reshape the narrative surrounding campaign finance and accountability in U.S. politics.
