House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jim Jordan formally refers former Special Counsel Jack Smith to the Justice Department for possible criminal prosecution, accusing Smith of making false statements during closed-door congressional testimony in December. Jordan’s referral cites testimony in which Smith allegedly said his office sought telephone toll records reflecting routing details but did not seek or review the contents of text messages from members of Congress. Jordan argues that newly released records contradict that account and that the discrepancy may amount to perjury or making false statements to Congress.
PBS and NBC News report that Smith’s lawyers deny the allegations and say Smith answered questions truthfully and only about the information that was requested. Multiple outlets also describe a dispute over what documents were actually at issue: Republicans point to records they say show Smith’s team reviewed text messages involving dozens of lawmakers, while Democratic and legal commentary cited in reports argues the categories of records discussed—toll/routing information versus message contents—were different, and that Republicans did not ask about certain related material.
The Justice Department confirms it has received the referral and says it will review any evidence of criminal conduct. No charges have been filed, and the referral itself is not a prosecution.
