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House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, formally referred ex-special counsel Jack Smith for potential criminal prosecution Wednesday, contending that newly disclosed records undermine Smith’s sworn testimony about his investigative activities. Jordan claimed Smith misled the panel regarding whether his team obtained or reviewed text messages belonging to members of Congress during multiple inquiries into former President Donald Trump.
In a letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Jordan asserted that Smith’s statements before Congress were intentionally false and designed to obstruct legitimate legislative oversight. Jordan further argued the Justice Department should determine whether these alleged misrepresentations constitute criminal conduct warranting formal charges against the former prosecutor.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, released documents last week revealing that Smith’s investigators reviewed text messages from 44 members of Congress and White House staff spanning both parties. Targeted individuals included Jordan, Grassley, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Trump administration officials including former Vice President Mike Pence and Ivanka Trump.
When questioned by House investigators, Smith testified his team sought only telephone toll records, not message content. Grassley’s findings indicate Smith’s office may have circumvented standard protocols by accessing communications without proper review by a designated “filter team” designed to protect privileged information.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, dismissed the referral as deliberately mischaracterizing the facts. Raskin contended Republicans faulted Smith for not anticipating their concerns and volunteering information they did not request, calling the accusation baseless.
Smith has previously denied any impropriety. The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the referral and stated it would investigate all evidence of potential criminal conduct.
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