Story perspectives

Jack Smith Team Accesses Trump Staff-Congress Texts, Violates Safeguards

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team bypassed the DOJ-appointed Filter Team and accessed texts between U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House staff and 44 members of Congress, violating safeguards.
Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson called the move a grotesque example of Justice Department weaponization and urged Smith to testify.
The 44 lawmakers include Senators Cory Booker, Susan Collins, Tom Cotton and Representatives Adam Smith, Karen Bass, Steve Scalise, Elise Stefanik.

1 of 1

Story summary

Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team bypassed the DOJ-appointed Filter Team and accessed texts between U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House staff and 44 members of Congress, violating safeguards.
Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson called the move a grotesque example of Justice Department weaponization and urged Smith to testify.
The 44 lawmakers include Senators Cory Booker, Susan Collins, Tom Cotton and Representatives Adam Smith, Karen Bass, Steve Scalise, Elise Stefanik.