House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan announced Wednesday that the committee has issued a criminal referral for former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The referral alleges that Smith made "willfully and intentionally false statements" during testimony before the committee in December 2025.

In a letter addressed to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Jordan stated that the committee has "strong evidence" suggesting Smith knowingly provided false statements during his deposition on December 17, 2025. The referral marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny of Smith's conduct during his tenure as special counsel.

Details surrounding the specific statements deemed false by the committee were not immediately elaborated upon in the announcement. Lawyers for Jack Smith did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the referral. The committee's referral is based on its review of Smith's deposition testimony.

The referral now goes to the Department of Justice, which will be responsible for reviewing the evidence and deciding whether to pursue any charges against Smith. The implications for Smith's future and the ongoing legal processes he was involved in remain to be seen.

This action by the House Judiciary Committee follows a period of intense political debate surrounding the investigations led by the special counsel's office. Critics of the investigations have frequently questioned the methods and motives of the prosecutors involved.

Top Judiciary Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized the referral, labeling it "baseless and vindictive." Raskin's comments suggest a sharp partisan divide within the committee regarding the referral's legitimacy and purpose.

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2026, at the Capitol in Washington. The referral specifically targets statements made during a deposition on December 17, 2025, indicating the committee believes perjury occurred prior to the public testimony.

The referral raises questions about potential legal ramifications for Smith and could impact the broader legal landscape surrounding high-profile investigations. The Department of Justice's response to the referral will be closely watched.