Declassified Records Contradict Jack Smith’s Senate Testimony on John Brennan Meeting

Key points

• Declassified documents show two assistant special counsels under Jack Smith met with John Brennan in November 2023.
• The meeting was to discuss expert testimony for the classified documents case against Donald Trump.
• This contradicts Smith’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he said he had 'never met' Brennan.
• Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley called Smith’s response 'highly evasive and misleading.'
• The records include redacted notes from CIA headquarters.
• Smith's office and the Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment.

Background

This development follows Jack Smith’s September 29, 2026 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he defended his dismissed prosecutions of President Trump. The hearing was dominated by a viral moment where Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) mistakenly accused Smith of perjury over a basketball game mix-up. Smith stated he would not be silenced by threats of prosecution, while Republicans criticized his methods as an abuse of power. Democrats argued the probes were legally justified.

Why it matters

The declassified records raise questions about the accuracy of Jack Smith’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. If Smith’s statement that he had 'never met' Brennan is contradicted by official records, it could undermine his credibility and the defense of his dismissed prosecutions. This could have implications for the ongoing debate over the legality and justification of the probes into President Trump.

What to watch

It is unclear what will happen next. Smith's office and the Justice Department have not responded to requests for comment. It is possible that the Justice Department may investigate Smith’s conduct, as Republicans have pushed for. It is also possible that the declassified records will lead to further scrutiny of Smith’s testimony and the dismissed prosecutions.