House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has subpoenaed former special counsel Jack Smith, demanding he appear for a deposition to discuss the probe into Donald Trump’s actions related to the 2020 election. The move comes after Jordan initially rejected Smith’s offer of voluntary public testimony.
In correspondence addressed to Smith, Jordan outlined that the committee is conducting oversight on “the operations of the Office of Special Counsel you led – specifically, your team’s prosecutions” involving investigations into Donald Trump and his co-defendants. The letter emphasized that due to Smith’s prior role as special counsel, he possesses information deemed vital for this review.
The deposition, scheduled for a closed-door session behind the scenes, is part of ongoing scrutiny from House Republicans regarding aspects surrounding Smith’s investigation – which they have characterized critically against their candidate and allies. These lawmakers assert it was an overreaching probe that unnecessarily implicated hundreds associated with former President Trump or efforts to challenge the election outcome.
According to reports, Jordan prefers depositions because they allow committee members dedicated time slots (one hour per party) unlike typical public hearings where questioning often occurs in short bursts dictated by rules of order. Peter Koski, Smith’s attorney confirmed previously that Smith had offered a six-week prior opportunity for voluntary appearance before Congress and the American people.
Koski reiterated dissatisfaction with Jordan’s rejection and expressed disappointment about denying constituents an open forum to hear directly from the special counsel regarding his work. The deposition process was rejected by committee leadership despite the invitation extended earlier publicly via formal channels.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, voiced strong criticism of this approach, stating that Republicans engaged in “a coordinated campaign” aimed at smearing Smith and the investigation he spearheaded concerning Donald Trump’s 2020 election-related activities. In particular, Raskin highlighted concerns about denying public access to information held by Special Counsel Smith.
“The committee has no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior,” noted a statement from Judiciary Committee officials in unrelated content regarding their comment policy – though this appears not directly connected to the probe itself.