Leading GOP senators have issued a firm warning to Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Special Counsel Jack Smith, emphasizing the importance of preserving all records related to investigations involving former President Donald Trump. Their concerns, detailed in a formal letter, highlight potential issues of federal record mishandling and perceived political bias within the Justice Department.

The letter draws attention to previous allegations of record mishandling during politically sensitive investigations. It references the Mueller probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, noting reports that members of Robert Mueller’s team allegedly erased data from government-issued devices. In one case, a senior team member was accused of repeatedly deleting data by entering incorrect passwords, raising suspicions about whether such actions were deliberate attempts to obstruct oversight by Congress and federal agencies.

“The timing of these deletions, coupled with their frequency, points to a deeply concerning pattern,” the senators wrote. They also criticized the FBI’s handling of its investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. The letter mentions that the FBI reportedly agreed to destroy laptops tied to Clinton’s staff, a move the senators argue undermined the credibility of the investigation and the preservation of evidence.

The letter accuses Timothy Thibault, a former senior FBI official involved in one of Jack Smith’s cases, of exhibiting anti-Trump bias and violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities.

The senators stress that maintaining all records related to Smith’s investigations is essential for transparency and accountability. “If a politically sensitive case is pursued, it must be handled properly and without political bias,” they emphasized.

Additionally, the senators raised concerns about potential media leaks from individuals involved in the Mueller and Smith investigations. They referenced a Washington Post report on an inquiry into alleged connections between the Egyptian government and Donald Trump, which was closed due to insufficient evidence. The letter suggests the report relied on classified U.S. intelligence and internal Justice Department documents, prompting the senators to call for clarification on whether an investigation into the leaks has been initiated.

The letter concludes with a firm warning: “Past misconduct must not be repeated.”

Meanwhile, Smith has requested the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily pause proceedings in the classified documents case involving President-elect Donald Trump. In a filing, Smith highlighted the results of the November 5 presidential election, noting Trump is set to be formally certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, before his inauguration on January 20.

Smith urged the court to halt the appeal until December 2, allowing the Department of Justice time to assess the case in accordance with its longstanding policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents.