Jack Smith's attorneys defend special counsel's analyzing GOP lawmakers' phone data
Jack Smith's attorneys defend special counsel's analyzing GOP lawmakers' phone data
Attorneys for former special counsel Jack Smith called his actions “entirely lawful, proper and consistent with established Department of Justice policy.”
Read the full article on CBS Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim regarding Jack Smith's attorneys defending his actions is generally supported, but the context surrounding the phone data analysis requires careful consideration. There's a moderate bias due to the selective presentation of information, particularly regarding the nature of the data analysis and the controversy surrounding it. The article could benefit from a more balanced portrayal of the situation, including the concerns raised by Republican lawmakers.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Attorneys for former special counsel Jack Smith called his actions 'entirely lawful, proper and consistent with established Department of Justice policy.'
- Verification Source #5: Sen. Marsha Blackburn requested an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and spying on.
- Assessment: Supported, but requires context. While Smith's attorneys defend his actions, the legality and propriety are disputed by Republican lawmakers, as indicated by source 5.
- Claim: Jack Smith analyzed phone data of GOP lawmakers.
- Verification Source #1: The FBI analyzed phone records of senators as part of Trump Jan. 6 probe.
- Verification Source #2: Hawley was describing an FBI special counsel Jack Smith's investigation of President Donald Trump's bid to subvert the 2020 election.
- Verification Source #4: The FBI targeted Republican lawmakers' cell phones for “tolling data.” Special Counsel Jack Smith led the probe.
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources confirm that phone records of Republican lawmakers were analyzed as part of the investigation led by Jack Smith. Source 4 clarifies that it was 'tolling data'.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 4: "It said the FBI targeted Republican lawmakers' cell phones for “tolling data.”
- Source 5: "Sen. Marsha Blackburn requested an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and spying on."