National Archives Subpoena to Jack Smith Yielded Text Messages of 44 Lawmakers

Former special counsel Jack Smith obtained text messages sent between 44 members of Congress and White House officials through a subpoena issued to the National Archives in August 2023. The records covered communications from October 2020 to January 20, 2021.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley stated he was among the lawmakers whose communications were reviewed and said he received confirmation from the Department of Justice.

Grassley posted on X that he is alerting affected colleagues and will release the records. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker was also among the lawmakers whose communications appeared in the records. Smith oversaw two federal investigations, one examining efforts to challenge the 2020 election results including the January 6, 2021, Capitol events, and another concerning classified documents at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Both cases were discontinued after Trump's 2024 election victory. Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul posted on X that the records confirm Smith obtained messages from dozens of members of Congress, including himself.

The post received 1.1 million views. Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith wrote that the disclosure represents an abuse of power. Utah Sen. Mike Lee stated that Smith obtained his communications and those of several other senators.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott wrote that Smith should be held accountable.