House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has formally asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith, alleging that Smith provided false testimony during a congressional deposition.
In a letter sent Wednesday to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Jordan claimed Smith “seemingly made willfully and intentionally false statements of material fact” during his December testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. According to Jordan, newly obtained documents from the Senate Judiciary Committee contradict key portions of Smith’s statements, raising concerns that he may have misled Congress under oath.
Jordan argued that the House Judiciary Committee has uncovered what he described as “strong evidence” suggesting Smith knowingly made false statements, and he urged the Justice Department to consider pursuing criminal charges if the allegations are substantiated.
“The committee has identified strong evidence that warrants a thorough criminal investigation,” Jordan wrote in the letter, requesting that the DOJ review the matter and determine whether Smith violated federal laws governing false statements to Congress.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department confirmed that it had received Jordan’s criminal referral. The spokesperson said the department “will investigate all evidence of criminal conduct,” but declined to comment further on the specifics of the request or whether a formal investigation has already begun.
Smith’s legal team has firmly rejected Jordan’s allegations. Attorneys representing the former special counsel maintain that Smith did not make any false or misleading statements during his testimony and deny that he intentionally misrepresented any facts to lawmakers.
The dispute centers on Smith’s December appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, where he answered questions related to his work as special counsel. Jordan contends that recently obtained Senate Judiciary Committee documents reveal inconsistencies between Smith’s testimony and the documentary record. However, Smith’s attorneys argue that Jordan’s interpretation of those documents is inaccurate and that his testimony was truthful.
The latest referral marks another chapter in the ongoing political and legal scrutiny surrounding Smith, who previously led federal investigations involving former President Donald Trump. Republican lawmakers have repeatedly questioned Smith’s handling of those investigations, while Democrats have defended his work as independent and consistent with the law.
At this stage, the Justice Department has not announced whether it will launch a formal criminal investigation into Smith. Under standard procedure, criminal referrals from Congress are reviewed by federal prosecutors, who determine whether the available evidence justifies further investigative action.
The matter remains under review, and no criminal charges have been filed against Jack Smith. Both the Justice Department and Smith’s legal team are expected to face continued questions as the congressional referral proceeds.
