Justice Department Urged to Investigate Former Special Counsel Jack Smith

The Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee encourages the Justice Department to consider criminal charges against Jack Smith. Smith, the former special counsel who charged President Trump, is accused of lying to Congress. The allegations are disputed by the committee’s top Democrat.

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio issued a criminal referral based on revelations from last year. Investigators obtained phone records from Republican lawmakers while probing Mr. Trump’s post-2020 election actions. In a previous deposition, Smith stated his team only acquired ‘toll records,’ which detail call numbers but lack call content.

Recent information indicates Smith’s team acquired text messages between Trump-era staffers and Congress members from a separate subpoena to the National Archives. Jordan claims Smith made ‘materially false statements’ and failed to disclose this subpoena.

“All individuals have an obligation to comply with a duly authorized congressional inquiry,” Jordan wrote. “Mr. Smith, a former public servant, is no different.”

Jordan urges Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to examine Smith’s actions. The Justice Department will decide whether to pursue charges. A spokesperson confirmed receipt of the referral letter, stating they “will investigate all evidence of criminal conduct.”

Committee Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland described the referral as “baseless and vindictive.” He predicts the case “will get laughed out of court” if considered by a judge. Raskin argues Smith truthfully answered questions on subpoenas for toll records, not those to the National Archives.

“The Republicans fault Mr. Smith for not reading the minds of congressional investigators,” Raskin stated. “This is absurd. Mr. Smith may be telegenic but he is not telepathic.”

CBS News has contacted Smith’s representatives for comments. This developing story will be updated.