SPECIAL COUNSEL DEMANDS FULL JORDAN TESTIMONY VIDEO, THREATENING WASHINGTON WITH “POLITICAL FIRESTORM”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves through the halls of Congress, Special Counsel Jack Smith has formally and urgently demanded that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) release the complete, unedited video of his marathon, eight-hour closed-door testimony before the committee. The demand, delivered with what multiple sources describe as “uncompromising” and “legally stark” language, has triggered what one senior Republican aide called an “ice-cold panic” among GOP leadership.

The request, issued just 30 minutes ago according to a source within the Special Counsel’s office, goes far beyond a procedural formality. It is being interpreted as a clear signal that Smith’s investigation into matters related to the 2020 election and January 6th has reached a critical inflection point, with the committee’s own chairman now squarely in its focus. The move instantly ratchets up the already profound tensions between the Republican-controlled House and the independent Justice Department probe.

While the precise nature of the evidence sought remains under seal, CNN has learned from multiple sources familiar with the investigation that the Special Counsel’s team is zeroing in on a specific, previously undisclosed detail that Rep. Jordan allegedly shared during his testimony. This detail, described by one source as a “verbal footnote that could detonate a dozen other investigations,” is what investigators believe could “ignite a political firestorm” if revealed, with potential fallout reaching the highest levels of both Congress and the Justice Department.

The implications are twofold and deeply perilous for Jordan. First, the demand suggests Smith possesses compelling evidence that contradicts some aspect of Jordan’s testimony—testimony given not as a witness, but in his capacity as committee chairman. Releasing the video would allow for a direct, public comparison. Second, and more explosively, it indicates that Jordan may have divulged information under committee confidentiality that is directly material to Smith’s criminal investigation. This creates a historic clash between congressional oversight privilege and a criminal probe.

“Smith isn’t asking for a transcript. He’s demanding the video,” noted former federal prosecutor Jessica Roth. “That’s about demeanor, pauses, nuance—the things that can betray knowledge, coordination, or intent. This is a prosecutor who believes the non-verbal communication in that room is itself critical evidence.”

The content of the alleged “bombshell” detail remains tightly guarded. Speculation among insiders swirls around several possibilities: that Jordan may have revealed knowledge of specific plans or communications about the electoral vote certification he has not previously disclosed; that he named individuals outside Congress who were involved in strategizing; or that he inadvertently confirmed the existence of evidence or witnesses previously unknown to the Special Counsel. Its potential to spark a “firestorm” suggests it could implicate other sitting members of Congress, former administration officials, or reveal obstructive tactics.

Chairman Jordan’s office has yet to issue a formal response. He is now caught in a constitutional and political vise. Refusing the request risks a swift and severe legal challenge from Smith, potentially including a subpoena or a contempt referral, forcing a high-stakes court battle that could undermine his committee’s authority. Complying, however, would mean surrendering control of a narrative and potentially exposing himself and colleagues to severe legal and political jeopardy.

The demand also places House Speaker Mike Johnson in an immediate bind. He must balance his institutional role in defending congressional prerogatives against the peril of his party being seen as obstructing a criminal investigation to protect its own. The reported “panic” suggests leadership understands there is no clean path forward.

This development marks a stunning reversal. For over a year, Chairman Jordan has been the chief aggressor, using his gavel to launch sweeping investigations into the Justice Department and the Special Counsel himself, accusing them of political weaponization. Now, the investigative lens has been forcefully turned back upon him. Jack Smith’s move is a stark demonstration that his probe remains relentlessly active and is pursuing lines of inquiry that reach into the heart of the current Congress.

The coming hours will be decisive. Legal teams for the House and the Special Counsel are likely already in frantic consultation. A standoff of this magnitude, centered on a potential evidentiary bombshell hidden in a sealed committee video, has few modern precedents. One thing is certain: the icy panic on Capitol Hill is a reflection of a sobering realization—that the ground beneath the political battle over January 6th may be about to shift violently, and the catalyst could be locked inside eight hours of tape.