On December 3, 2025, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, issued a subpoena to former Special Counsel Jack Smith, requiring him to appear for a deposition on December 17. This action is part of a broader Republican inquiry into Smith's investigations related to former President Donald Trump, which some GOP members have characterized as overly expansive and detrimental to various Republican officials and entities.

Smith's investigations included criminal charges against Trump concerning the 2020 election and the alleged retention of classified documents. Following Trump's victory in the 2024 election, Smith discontinued both cases, citing a Department of Justice policy that advises against prosecuting sitting presidents.

While Smith has expressed willingness to testify publicly before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, Jordan's preference for a closed deposition format allows for more extensive questioning from committee members. Smith's attorney, Peter Koski, criticized the decision to reject a public hearing, emphasizing the importance of transparency for the American public.

The subpoena also requests comprehensive documentation related to Smith's tenure as special counsel, following a recent Department of Justice communication indicating a willingness to accommodate Congress by allowing Smith to provide unrestricted testimony, potentially bypassing certain privileges. The situation continues to evolve as further developments are anticipated.

In a related context, the Trump administration has also intensified the vetting process for H-1B visa applicants, which are crucial for U.S. tech companies that recruit skilled workers from countries like India and China. A directive issued on December 2, 2025, instructs U.S. consular officers to scrutinize applicants for any involvement in censorship or suppression of free speech, reflecting a broader focus on perceived violations of free expression. This policy has raised concerns regarding the equitable treatment of foreign workers and the potential chilling effect on free speech within the tech industry.