Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) responded to a report alleging that the FBI, under President Joe Biden, and former Special Counsel Jack Smith tracked private communications and phone calls of eight U.S. Senators—including Blackburn herself. She frames the revelations as part of a broader pattern of politicization at the Department of Justice and calls for accountability and a full investigation.

The Report and Briefing

According to Blackburn, the “bombshell” report alleges the FBI—and former Special Counsel Jack Smith—tracked Senators’ phone calls and private communications. She said Senators were briefed on the revelations by President Trump’s Deputy Director of the FBI, Dan Bongino.

Blackburn’s Core Claims

Blackburn contends the FBI “exercised authority that it did not have” under the Biden administration. Citing past controversies, she said this pattern stretches back to the Obama era and includes actions in 2016 involving the Trump transition team. She also connected the claims to later events, noting the Mar-a-Lago search and indictments of former President Trump, and asserted that Republican Senators supportive of Trump were surveilled.

Tone and Framing

Throughout her comments, Blackburn described the FBI as “politicized” and “rotten to the core” under prior leadership, while emphasizing that her concerns focus on alleged overreach and “political weaponization.” She stressed that Senators “show up” to do their jobs and that any abuse of authority must be confronted transparently.

Accountability and Next Steps

Blackburn said she appreciates investigative steps announced by Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino and wants those responsible for any wrongdoing held “to the highest extent.” She welcomed additional information shared with Senators and called for further investigation to determine who authorized surveillance and under what legal basis.

What She Says Comes Next

Blackburn indicated she will not “let this stand,” signaling support for oversight actions and potential reforms aimed at preventing future misuse of investigative powers. While details of the underlying report, evidence, and timelines were not elaborated in her remarks, she urged continued scrutiny and promised to press for clarity on the scope of any surveillance and the decision-making behind it.

Source: Senator Marsha Blackburn