Full Breakdown
Brennan-Smith Meeting Draws Senate Scrutiny Over Potential “Consultation”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Declassified White House records show that two assistant special counsels from Jack Smith’s team met with former CIA director John Brennan in November 2023 at CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia.
Background and Context
Jack Smith, appointed by the Biden administration, has led multiple high-profile investigations, including the “Arctic Frost” 2020 election probe and the classified-documents prosecution (codenamed “Plasmic Echo”). Republicans have repeatedly questioned the impartiality of his work, alleging political bias and investigative overreach. The newly revealed Brennan meeting adds to those concerns, as it suggests the special counsel’s team sought input from a known Trump critic.
Official Statements & Responses
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pressed Smith during a hearing, asking whether he had ever received “consultation or counsel” from Brennan. The Justice Department declined to comment when Fox News Digital sought comment from Smith’s attorneys.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Have you ever received any consultation or counsel by John Brennan, former CIA director, whether during your time as special counsel or otherwise? If so, when and for what purpose?” — Chuck Grassley, judiciary committee chairman
- “This meeting occurred during Jack Smith’s time as Special Counsel and constitutes ‘consultation or counsel’ from John Brennan to Smith and his team,” — Chuck Grassley, judiciary committee chairman