Grassley says Special Counsel Jack Smith seized communications from major news outlets

Senator Chuck Grassley, speaking at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, revealed that special counsel Jack Smith gathered communications between government sources and a wide array of media outlets as part of his investigation into President Donald Trump. The list of outlets includes 60 Minutes, one outlet, Bloomberg, several outlets, Fox News, the Los Angeles Times, the Mark Levin Show, the Media Research Center, several outlets, New York Magazine, one outlet, The Federalist, The Washington Post, Washington Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Grassley characterized the action as a “disgraceful government overreach” and said he will hear responses from “responsible media.” Jack Smith has stood by his decision to prosecute Trump and is fielding further questions from legislators. The disclosure raises concerns about the scope of investigative powers in high-profile political cases.

No comment was provided by the media organizations named. The hearing underscores ongoing tensions between the Justice Department’s investigative tactics and press freedom advocates.