Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, that he received notification from the Justice Department (DOJ) indicating that former special counsel Jack Smith’s investigative team had "secretly obtained" text messages from 44 lawmakers. This action was part of an ongoing probe into former President Donald Trump.

Grassley confirmed he was among the 44 lawmakers whose communications were reviewed. The disclosure raises questions about the scope of the investigation and the privacy of congressional communications.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Grassley, was informed directly by the DOJ about this development. The investigation by Jack Smith’s team remains active, with the review of lawmakers’ text messages being a notable aspect.

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