Story perspectives

Jim Jordan Sends Jack Smith to DOJ Over False Deposition

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan referred Jack Smith to the DOJ for prosecution after Smith allegedly gave false statements in a deposition.
Federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann called the recommendation preposterous and said it could not be read as perjury.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said National Archives gave Smith the texts without a taint-team review.
Critics argue charging Smith would uphold rule of law rather than constitute retaliation.

History

Historical Context

Watergate’s 1972 break-in sparked a Senate probe in 1973, leading the House Judiciary Committee to subpoena 42 White House tapes. After the Supreme Court forced release on July 24 1974, the “smoking-gun” tape on August 5 exposed Nixon’s cover-up, prompting his resignation on August 9. The 1974 showdown between Nixon, the Judiciary Committee, and later Jim Jordan’s 2024 referral of Jack Smith echoes that precedent.

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Story summary

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan referred Jack Smith to the DOJ for prosecution after Smith allegedly gave false statements in a deposition.
Federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann called the recommendation preposterous and said it could not be read as perjury.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said National Archives gave Smith the texts without a taint-team review.
Critics argue charging Smith would uphold rule of law rather than constitute retaliation.

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