Story perspectives

Jim Jordan Refers Jack Smith to AG Over Deposition Lies

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) referred former Special Counsel Jack Smith to Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing him of false statements in his Dec 17, 2025 deposition.
Jordan’s letter said evidence shows Smith knowingly lied while defending his decision to prosecute U.S. President Donald Trump.
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called the referral baseless and vindictive, and said House Judiciary Democrats’ X account and analysts labeled it laughably weak and meaningless.

History

Historical Context

After Ken Starr’s September 1998 report on President Bill Clinton, the House, led by Speaker Newt Gingrich, opened an impeachment inquiry on October 8 and on December 19 voted 228-206 to impeach; the committee issued two articles. In 2025 Rep. Jim Jordan revived the same oversight tool, referring Special Counsel Jack Smith to Attorney General Todd Blanche, underscoring the enduring partisan use of congressional referrals.

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Story summary

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) referred former Special Counsel Jack Smith to Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing him of false statements in his Dec 17, 2025 deposition.
Jordan’s letter said evidence shows Smith knowingly lied while defending his decision to prosecute U.S. President Donald Trump.
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called the referral baseless and vindictive, and said House Judiciary Democrats’ X account and analysts labeled it laughably weak and meaningless.

1 / 2