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FBI Director Patel Exposes “Self-Awarded” Trophy from Controversial FBI Operation Targeting Trump
FBI Director Kash Patel has revealed what he describes as evidence of corruption within the bureau’s previous leadership, sharing an image of a “self-awarded trophy” created by former FBI officials to celebrate Operation Arctic Frost—a controversial investigation launched after the 2020 election that targeted then-President Donald Trump and his allies.
The unusual metallic 3D-printed award featured the initials “AF” with a lightning bolt and dollar sign along its body, sitting on a base with a raised map of the United States that included miniature buildings and infrastructure. The base was marked with “CR-15,” referencing a now-disbanded FBI public corruption squad.
“People ask why I said the old FBI was a diseased temple,” Patel wrote on social media platform X. “This is what corruption looks like when it thinks no one is watching.”
Patel, who has implemented significant changes since taking the helm at the bureau, added: “I disbanded CR-15 and removed the corrupt actors involved. So when legacy media cries that President Trump’s FBI fired people and made sweeping changes, I have one response: You’re damn right we did.”
The revelation comes amid ongoing scrutiny from Republican lawmakers regarding Operation Arctic Frost, which later fed into former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations of Trump. In October, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) disclosed 197 subpoenas they claim the Biden-era FBI used to seek testimony and documents from hundreds of Republicans and GOP entities.
Johnson characterized the subpoena list as “nothing short of a Biden administration enemies list,” arguing that Arctic Frost was deployed to improperly investigate Republican political operatives and organizations. The investigation’s scope and methods have raised serious concerns about potential political weaponization of federal law enforcement.
The controversy extends beyond the trophy itself. Republican lawmakers have criticized the operation for allegedly targeting political opponents rather than focusing on legitimate corruption. According to congressional investigations, the operation’s scope expanded to include surveillance of numerous Republican figures, with phone records and communications of Trump allies being monitored.
Smith, whose team utilized information gathered during Arctic Frost to build cases related to the 2020 election that were later dismissed following Trump’s 2024 election victory, has defended his work. He recently appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to answer questions about his investigation’s methods and motivations.
Critics have particularly focused on Smith’s aggressive tactics, including seeking gag orders against Trump during his presidential campaign, attempting to expedite court proceedings against the former president, and approving $20,000 in payments to an FBI confidential human source to gather intelligence on Trump, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The disbandment of CR-15 represents one of several structural changes implemented at the FBI under the new administration. Patel has made no secret of his determination to reshape the bureau, focusing on what he describes as eliminating politically motivated investigations and restoring public trust in federal law enforcement.
The trophy revelation provides a tangible symbol of what Trump supporters have long alleged: that elements within the FBI had become politically motivated in their pursuit of investigations against the former president and his allies. As Director Patel continues his overhaul of the bureau, this artifact stands as a physical representation of the cultural shifts he aims to correct.
As investigations into Operation Arctic Frost continue, the controversial trophy serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and allegations of impropriety that have plagued federal law enforcement in recent years, and the challenges facing Patel as he attempts to rebuild public confidence in the institution.
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9 Comments
The creation of an unauthorized trophy to celebrate an investigation targeting a political opponent is very troubling. This kind of behavior erodes faith in democratic institutions. I hope the full truth comes to light.
Wow, a self-awarded trophy? That’s a major breach of protocol and abuse of authority. The FBI needs to be above partisan politics and maintain strict neutrality. Hopefully this is just an isolated incident.
This is concerning, if true. Abuses of power and partisan political activities within federal law enforcement agencies should always be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Transparency and accountability are crucial.
While I’m not a fan of Trump, the FBI should never engage in politically-motivated investigations or create trophies to celebrate them. This kind of behavior is deeply concerning and needs to be thoroughly investigated.
I share your concerns. The FBI must remain impartial and focused on upholding the law, not political agendas. Hopefully this was an isolated incident and not part of a broader pattern.
If the allegations are accurate, this raises serious questions about the objectivity and professionalism of the prior FBI leadership. Maintaining the bureau’s integrity is critical for public confidence.
I agree. Partisan political activities within the FBI are unacceptable. The new leadership seems to be taking the right steps to address these issues.
The creation of this trophy is highly inappropriate and a clear misuse of government resources and authority. The FBI must remain above partisan politics to maintain public trust. I’m glad the new leadership is addressing these issues.
I’m glad the new FBI leadership is taking steps to address past issues and restore public trust. Rooting out corruption is important, but must be done carefully and through proper legal channels.