House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has issued a criminal referral targeting former Special Counsel Jack Smith, accusing him of alleged perjury tied to testimony he gave before Congress in December. The move centers on claims that Smith made false statements during that appearance.
The referral, reported Wednesday, frames the matter as a potential criminal issue rather than only a congressional dispute. According to the description of the case, Jordan argues that the statements in question were made knowingly and intentionally, escalating the political and legal stakes around Smith’s prior testimony.
The development adds another layer to the broader fight between House Republicans and figures connected to high-profile federal investigations. A criminal referral itself does not establish guilt, but it can serve as a formal request for prosecutors or other authorities to review the allegations.
The dispute is likely to intensify scrutiny of both Smith’s role as former special counsel and the House Judiciary Committee’s oversight efforts. With the accusation now formally raised, attention will turn to whether any law enforcement body chooses to act on the referral and examine the underlying claims in greater detail.
