Blanche Signals Willingness to Probe Smith for Alleged False Testimony on Congressional Text Messages

Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, indicated during his confirmation hearing that he is open to investigating and potentially prosecuting former Special Counsel Jack Smith for allegedly lying to Congress about accessing lawmakers’ private text messages.

Blanche addressed Smith’s December 2025 testimony, where Smith denied under oath that his team reviewed congressional texts during Trump-related probes. Subsequent DOJ records released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson revealed Smith’s investigators obtained and examined messages from 44 members of Congress—40 Republicans and 4 Democrats—bypassing filter teams meant to protect privileged material.

The texts were secured via subpoena to the National Archives from phones of Trump White House officials between October 2020 and January 2022. Critics argue this violated the Speech or Debate Clause, which shields legislative communications from executive interference.

Blanche’s comments focused on accountability for potential perjury and procedural abuses. He stressed restoring impartial justice at the DOJ, noting such actions undermine public trust. Grassley and Johnson’s inquiry uncovered the bypass after whistleblower disclosures.

The revelations have fueled bipartisan concerns on Capitol Hill about executive overreach. Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Eli Crane highlighted risks of government spying on elected officials extending to citizens. Sen. Josh Hawley called for prosecutions of those involved.

Blanche’s stance reflects Republican priorities to examine Biden-era DOJ conduct, particularly in high-profile cases. Any prosecution would require substantial evidence meeting criminal thresholds, potentially leading to congressional referrals or inspector general involvement.

This development intensifies scrutiny of Smith’s tenure, already marked by unsuccessful cases against Trump. It underscores ongoing debates over special counsel independence versus constitutional safeguards. As confirmation proceeds, Blanche’s remarks signal a DOJ focused on integrity and rule of law.