House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has referred former Biden special counsel Jack Smith to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution, alleging that Smith lied under oath to obstruct congressional oversight of his investigations into President Donald Trump.
According to Fox News, Jordans move follows the release of records that appear to contradict Smiths sworn testimony that he neither obtained nor reviewed lawmakers text messages during his probes of President Trump. In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Jordan wrote that Smiths testimony included intentionally false statements designed to obstruct the Committees oversight, and insisted that all individuals have an obligation to comply with a duly authorized congressional inquiry. Mr. Smith, a former public servant, is no different.
Jordan further argued that his conduct can only be understood as an effort to thwart the Committees inquiry by intentionally making false statements and representations before Congress, urging the Justice Department to determine whether Smiths actions merit criminal charges. The referral comes after Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley revealed that Smith had spied on 44 members of Congress and actually read their text messages, despite earlier reports only indicating that he had obtained toll records or call logs.
Smith, under oath in a December deposition, was asked about his Arctic Frost investigation and whether the records he requested included the contents of calls and texts. Did the records that you requested the toll records from the members of Congress include the content of text messages? an investigator asked, to which Smith replied, No, a statement Republicans now say is demonstrably false.
During Blanches confirmation hearing, Senator Josh Hawley pressed the acting attorney general on potential perjury charges against Smith, asking, Have you thought about investigating Jack Smith for perjury? Blanche responded, We take testimony in front of this body very seriously. Yes, prompting Hawley to add, Good. I think he absolutely should be investigated. I hope that you prosecute him, to which Blanche replied, Yes, Senator.
For conservatives long concerned about partisan lawfare and double standards in federal prosecutions, the Jordan referral and Hawleys pointed questioning underscore growing demands that those who weaponize the justice system against political opponents be held to the same legal standards they seek to impose on others.
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