Jordan demands documents related to DOJ investigation of Jack Smith amid misconduct allegations

Justice Department officials briefed lawmakers on the investigation last month, which was opened after an employee under Smith “self-reported” possible misconduct by his office. Details about the nature of the alleged misconduct was not immediately clear.

Published: December 4, 2024 10:53pm

Updated: December 4, 2024 11:05pm

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan on Wednesday sent a letter to the Justice Department (DOJ) requesting information about the department's alleged misconduct investigation into special counsel Jack Smith.

Justice Department officials briefed lawmakers on the investigation last month, which was opened after an employee under Smith “self-reported” possible misconduct by his office, according to the Washington Examiner.

Jordan told Jeffrey Ragsdale, the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility official who conducted the briefing, that he was not satisfied with the investigation, and that the letter should serve as a “preservation notice” of his records of the inquiry.

Ragsdale told lawmakers that the inquiry was opened in June 2023, but he was unable to investigate further because of Smith's prosecutions of President-elect Donald Trump. The investigation would have allegedly interfered with the cases.

Details about the nature of the alleged misconduct was not immediately clear. 

“While we appreciate you confirming an open investigation into Jack Smith’s prosecutors, we are concerned that your refusal to take prompt investigative steps will allow these attorneys to evade internal accountability by leaving the Department,” Jordan wrote. 

The chairman said the briefing did not alleviate the committee's concerns and asked the office to produce all relevant documents and information related to the investigation by Dec. 18. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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