House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) has recommended that the Department of Justice pursue criminal charges against former special counsel Jack Smith, alleging that Smith provided false testimony during a congressional hearing. The referral centers on Smith's statements regarding the timing and coordination of investigations involving former President Trump. Jordan stated in a letter to the Justice Department that internal communications contradict Smith's sworn testimony about his office's independence and the timeline of certain legal actions.
Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann addressed the referral during an interview on MSDC, describing the allegations as legally unfounded. Weissmann stated that the evidence cited in Jordan's letter did not meet the legal threshold for perjury, arguing that the discrepancies cited by the committee do not constitute a willful intent to deceive. He noted that disagreements over administrative timelines or internal coordination often arise in complex investigations and do not typically lead to criminal prosecution.
The referral is the latest in a series of actions by the House Judiciary Committee to oversee the conduct of the special counsel's office. Republican members of the committee have frequently questioned the impartiality of Smith's investigations, while Democratic members and several legal analysts have characterized the committee's inquiries as politically motivated. The Department of Justice has not yet issued a formal response regarding whether it will open a criminal investigation based on the committee's recommendation.