The Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee has called on the Justice Department to consider pursuing criminal charges against Jack Smith. Allegations suggest that Smith, the former special counsel who filed charges against President Trump, lied during a congressional testimony. This accusation is refuted by the committee’s top Democrat.
The criminal referral, made on Wednesday by Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, is linked to the previous year’s disclosure. Investigators had obtained phone records from several Republican lawmakers during an investigation into Mr. Trump’s actions post the 2020 election. Smith’s deposition from that time stated that his team did not access call contents or text messages. He clarified that the requested records were “toll records,” which include only the numbers dialed.
Recently, the Justice Department informed lawmakers that a separate subpoena to the National Archives and Records Administration led Smith’s team to acquire text messages between Trump-era White House staff and numerous members of Congress.
Given this update, Jordan accused Smith of providing “materially false statements” and inaccurately “failing to disclose” the National Archives subpoena. Jordan stated, “All individuals have an obligation to comply with a duly authorized congressional inquiry. Mr. Smith, a former public servant, is no different,” stressing that Smith’s testimony contained “intentionally false statements” aimed at obstructing the Committee’s oversight.
Jordan has requested Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate Smith. The decision to pursue criminal charges following a congressional referral rests with the Justice Department.
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed receiving the referral letter and expressed commitment to investigate all signs of criminal activity.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the House Judiciary Committee’s top Democrat, dismissed the criminal referral as “baseless and vindictive.” He predicted that the case “will get laughed out of court” if it proceeds to a judicial review. Raskin stated, “The Republicans fault Mr. Smith for not reading the minds of congressional investigators and for not volunteering information they didn’t ask for,” emphasizing the absurdity of expecting Smith to be telepathic.
CBS News has contacted representatives for Smith for their comments.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.