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JUST IN; Supreme Court Issues Emergency Injunction Temporarily Restricting Key ICE Enforcement Actions in Minnesota as Legal Challenges Move Forward After State Files Lawsuit Alleging Constitutional Violations, ICE killing and Unlawful Use of Force Under the Donald Trump Administration

JUST IN: Minnesota Sues Federal Government in Historic Challenge to ICE Enforcement — Emergency Legal Clash Intensifies After Fatal Shooting

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between state and federal authorities, the State of Minnesota and its two largest cities — Minneapolis and Saint Paul — have filed a sweeping federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and related federal agencies over what they describe as an unprecedented surge of immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The complaint alleges constitutional violations, unlawful use of force, and excessive federal overreach in Minneapolis and nearby communities. �

AP News +1

The complaint was filed on January 12, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, with Attorney General Keith Ellison leading the legal effort on behalf of the state, joined by the mayors of Minneapolis (Jacob Frey) and Saint Paul (Kaohly Her). �

Minnesota Attorney General

A Lawsuit Born of Crisis

Operation Metro Surge and Allegations of Abuse

According to the legal filing, what DHS calls “Operation Metro Surge” began in December 2025, deploying thousands of armed and masked federal agents, including officers from ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), into the Minnesota Twin Cities. The state and cities characterize these actions as militarized, chaotic, and unlawful, asserting that they have spread terror, violated civil liberties, and undermined local public safety. �

Minnesota Attorney General

The lawsuit details numerous alleged abuses, including:

Unlawful stops and detentions, including of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal history. �

Minneapolis

Use of force in sensitive locations, such as schools, churches, hospitals, daycares, and funeral homes. �

Minneapolis

Chemical irritants, riot munitions, and guns pointed at non-threatening individuals. �

Disruption of daily life, with schools forced into lockdowns and businesses shuttered due to fear and insecurity. �

Minnesota Attorney General

The complaint contends that these tactics trample constitutional protections and misuse federal power, rather than pursue legitimate immigration enforcement goals. �

Minnesota Attorney General

The Catalyst: Fatal Shooting

The legal action follows the highly controversial January 7, 2026 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a DHS agent in Minneapolis — a moment that galvanized public outrage and widespread protests. �

AP News

Federal authorities have asserted that the officer acted in self-defense, but witnesses and community leaders dispute that narrative. The incident has become a flashpoint for broader criticism of federal tactics, with advocates saying it underscores patterns of excessive force and lack of accountability. �

Complicating matters, the FBI has assumed primary control of the investigation, limiting participation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Local officials say that’s undermined transparency and excluding the state’s investigators from evidence and interviews. �

Reddit

Legal Claims and Constitutional Arguments

The lawsuit is broad in scope, challenging federal authority on multiple legal grounds:

1. Tenth Amendment and State Sovereignty

Minnesota argues that Operation Metro Surge infringes on powers reserved to the states, effectively commandeering state resources and displacing local authority over public safety. �

Minnesota Attorney General

2. First Amendment – Free Speech and Assembly

The state alleges that federal agents have interfered with individuals engaging in constitutionally protected speech, including peaceful protest and observation, using aggressive force against bystanders. �

Reddit

3. Fourth Amendment – Unreasonable Seizures and Excessive Force

Minnesota claims federal officers are conducting warrantless and arbitrary detentions, often based on appearance, and using excessive force not justified by circumstances — a possible Fourth Amendment violation. �

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4. Equal Sovereignty of States

The complaint invokes a doctrine requiring that states be treated equally by the federal government, arguing Minnesota is being singled out politically, given its progressive leadership and sanctuary policies. �

5. Administrative Procedure Act (APA)

Finally, the state contends that Operation Metro Surge is arbitrary and capricious government action that violates federal law because it lacks legitimate law-enforcement justifications and appears motivated by political retaliation rather than public safety.

In addition to damages and declaratory relief, Minnesota’s filing requests an emergency temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction — asking a judge to temporarily halt or significantly limit the ongoing enforcement activities while the lawsuit moves through the courts. �

As of this writing, there is no verified report that the U.S. Supreme Court has intervened — no emergency injunction from the Supreme Court has been issued in this case. The lawsuit is currently at the federal district-court level, and any move toward the Supreme Court would follow appeals after lower court rulings. Any claims otherwise are not supported by reliable reporting at this time. (No current reputable source reports a Supreme Court injunction in this matter.)

National Implications and Related Legal Actions

The Minnesota case is part of a broader legal backlash to federal immigration enforcement tactics, with Illinois and the city of Chicago also filing separate lawsuits alleging unconstitutional use of force by ICE and Border Patrol officers. �

Nationwide protests and vigils have also been held under banners like “ICE Out For Good,” highlighting grief and anger over deaths of civilians during immigration enforcement operations. �

American Civil Liberties Union

Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU of Minnesota, have separately challenged federal agents’ conduct in state courts, seeking injunctions to protect constitutional rights of protesters and observers. �

Federal Government Response

DHS and federal officials have defended the enforcement surge, asserting the actions are lawful efforts to enforce immigration laws, not politically motivated attacks, and have cited statutory authority for the deployments. DHS spokespeople have rejected accusations that the state is being targeted for political reasons. �

Minneapolis

The White House has also framed the legal challenges as political stunts by Democratic leaders aimed at obstructing federal law enforcement. �

What Happens Next?

This legal battle is expected to move quickly through the court system:

A federal judge in Minnesota will first consider the state’s request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

If the judge grants relief, it could limit or pause certain federal enforcement tactics while the suit proceeds.

Regardless of the outcome, both sides are likely to appeal — setting the stage for possible higher appeals court review, and potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court in the weeks or months ahead.

At the heart of this dispute lies a fundamental constitutional question: how far can the federal government go in enforcing immigration law within a state’s borders before it violates constitutional rights and state sovereignty? This case may redefine the boundaries between federal authority and state protections in the years to come.

BREAKING: Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has infuriated the MAGA base by declaring he will block all of Donald Trump’s Federal Reserve nominees in response to what he calls a bogus investigation targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

The move throws a major obstacle into Trump’s agenda.

Tillis said there should now be “no question” that figures inside the Trump administration are trying to undermine the Federal Reserve’s independence, adding that the credibility and independence of the Justice Department itself are now in doubt.

He made clear his stance: he will oppose every Fed nomination — including the upcoming Fed chair appointment — until the legal situation surrounding Powell is resolved.

Because the Senate Banking Committee is split 13 Republicans to 11 Democrats, Tillis breaking ranks effectively freezes the confirmation process.

His announcement follows a New York Times report revealing that the D.C. U.S. attorney’s office, led by Jeanine Pirro, is criminally investigating Powell over renovations to the Federal Reserve’s headquarters.

Outside of hardcore MAGA loyalists, few believe the investigation has any real substance. Critics say it’s a transparent attempt to retaliate against Powell for refusing to slash interest rates.

Tillis’s decision puts Trump in a bind. While the president can’t remove Powell without cause, Powell’s term expires in May, allowing Trump to name a replacement. Trump would almost certainly pick someone willing to follow his demands on rate cuts — but without Tillis’s vote, that nominee would be stuck in limbo.

The move represents a direct challenge to Trump’s expanding push for control, using the Senate’s procedural power to block him at every possible step.

BREAKING: A law firm in Minnesota vows its lawyers will make Minneapolis the richest city in America suing “every single ICE agent who violates a Constitutional right, assaults a citizen, makes an unwarranted arrest, uses excessive force, or refuses to self-identify.”

Minneapolis Law Firm Pledges Aggressive Legal Action Against Alleged ICE Misconduct

A Minneapolis-based law firm announced this week that it intends to pursue civil lawsuits against any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent found to have violated constitutional rights in the city, a move the firm says is aimed at increasing accountability during federal immigration operations. In a statement that quickly spread online, the firm vowed its attorneys would sue “every single ICE agent” involved in actions such as excessive force, unwarranted arrests, assaults on civilians, or refusals to properly identify themselves.

The firm’s partners framed the pledge as a response to growing public concern over immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on local communities. While the statement included the provocative claim that such litigation could make Minneapolis “the richest city in America,” legal experts say the remark appears to be rhetorical, underscoring the firm’s belief that constitutional violations can be costly for the federal government when successfully challenged in court.

ICE officials have not publicly responded to the announcement, and it remains unclear how many cases the firm expects to file. Civil rights attorneys note that lawsuits against federal agents face high legal thresholds, including qualified immunity defenses. Still, the announcement signals an intensifying legal and political battle over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, a city that has positioned itself as a defender of immigrant and civil liberties.

BREAKING: CAPITOL IN FLAMES: Rachel Maddow drops a bombshell, revealing that 140 HOUSE LAWMAKERS are now aggressively pushing toward a TRUMP impeachment move — a development plunging Washington into mounting 2026 political chaos 

Her breakdown pulls back the curtain on turmoil unfolding behind the scenes — internal fractures widening, pressure building fast, and a political system visibly on edge.
This isn’t background noise anymore.
It’s a firestorm — and it’s growing fast 

Washington was jolted this week after MSNBC host Rachel Maddow reported that a growing bloc of House Democrats is privately organizing around a potential impeachment push against President Donald Trump. Citing congressional aides and internal discussions, Maddow said as many as 140 House lawmakers are pressing leadership to consider formal steps, a claim that—if accurate—would mark a dramatic escalation in the already volatile political climate heading into 2026.

Lawmakers named in the report have been cautious in public, with several emphasizing that no articles of impeachment have been introduced and that discussions remain preliminary. House leadership has declined to confirm the figure, stressing that committees are still reviewing ongoing investigations and that any move would require clear evidence and broad consensus. Republicans, meanwhile, dismissed the report as partisan speculation, warning that renewed impeachment talk could further paralyze Congress.

Even without formal action, the report underscores how fragile the political environment has become. With razor-thin margins on Capitol Hill and a polarized electorate, the mere prospect of impeachment is fueling uncertainty across Washington—raising the stakes for legislative negotiations and setting the stage for a turbulent year ahead.

In a stunning turn of events that has now exploded far beyond the football world, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has released a powerful video statement addressing the controversy that erupted earlier this week when a sideline reporter revealed she was called a “little pig” by a political figure’s supporter during a game-day media scrum. The incident quickly ignited national debate, drawing reactions from athletes, celebrities, and even former U.S. President Donald Trump. But it was Nix’s bold and emotional response that sent shockwaves across the NFL.

The controversy began when Angela Morris, a respected Broncos beat reporter, detailed on social media that she had been ridiculed and insulted during a chaotic postgame tunnel scene. According to Morris, a man wearing political apparel made the comment directly to her while she attempted to conduct interviews. Her post went viral within hours, drawing widespread condemnation from fans and media professionals who called it another example of the escalating hostility female reporters face in sports.

The situation escalated further when reporters asked Trump about the incident during an unrelated press stop. He reportedly shrugged off the story, suggested people were “too sensitive these days,” and questioned whether the comment was “even a big deal.” His reaction triggered immediate backlash online — and that’s when Bo Nix stepped forward.

On Thursday morning, Nix posted a two-minute video filmed from the Broncos practice facility. Calm yet visibly upset, the rookie quarterback delivered what many now consider to be the strongest stance any NFL player has taken on the incident.

“There’s no place in football — or anywhere — for calling a woman ‘a little pig,’” Nix said. “Angela is a professional. She’s here to do her job, and she deserves the same respect anyone else gets in this environment. When someone targets her with insults, that’s not just disrespectful. It’s embarrassing for all of us.”

He continued, speaking directly to his fans and the nation: “I don’t care who you support politically. I don’t care what team you root for. If you think humiliating a woman makes you strong, you’re wrong. Real strength is treating people with dignity.”

Within minutes, the video had amassed hundreds of thousands of views across X, TikTok, and Instagram. Major NFL figures — from retired legends to current superstars — reposted it with messages of support. Several female reporters thanked Nix for using his platform to defend them, noting that harassment and derogatory comments are “far more common than fans realize.”

Broncos head coach Sean Payton praised Nix during his afternoon press availability. “Bo is mature beyond his years,” Payton said. “He stood up for someone who needed someone to stand up for her. That’s leadership. That’s exactly who he is.”

Meanwhile, political commentators jumped into the conversation, debating whether Nix’s message subtly rebuked Trump’s dismissive remarks. Though Nix never mentioned Trump by name, his emphasis on respecting women and refusing to normalize verbal abuse was widely interpreted as a direct contradiction of the former president’s stance.

Social media erupted again on Thursday night, with the hashtag #StandWithAngela climbing to the top of national trending lists. Fans posted messages praising Nix for “showing more courage in two minutes than most public figures show in years,” while others debated whether athletes should involve themselves in political or cultural disputes.

As for Angela Morris, she responded briefly on X, writing: “Thank you, Bo. That meant more than you know.”

With the Broncos preparing for a crucial Week 12 matchup, the franchise now finds itself at the center of a nationwide conversation — one that touches on sports, politics, gender respect, and the responsibility that comes with celebrity influence.

One thing is certain: Bo Nix’s message has resonated far beyond the gridiron, and the ripple effects of his words are only just beginning.

JUST IN: 40 mins AGO In an Unprecedented Decision, the United Nations Suspends the United States Under Article 5 After Condemning President Donald Trump’s Unilateral Military Action in Venezuela and the Capture of President Nicolás Maduro

UN Makes Shock Move Against the U.S. After Venezuela Operation — What This Means for Global Power…Read Now watch what happens next..The story still unfolding 

In an unprecedented and highly controversial move, the United Nations has announced the temporary suspension of the United States under Article 5, following strong condemnation of President Donald Trump’s alleged unilateral military operation in Venezuela and the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

According to senior UN officials, the emergency decision was reached after an overnight Security Council session marked by intense debate and sharp divisions among global powers. The UN Secretary-General described the action as a response to what was characterized as a “serious breach of international norms, state sovereignty, and multilateral decision-making.”

The U.S.-led operation, reportedly conducted without international authorization, has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. While Washington has defended the action as necessary to protect regional stability and human rights, critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the global rules-based order.

Several nations, including long-time U.S. allies, expressed concern over the implications of suspending a founding UN member and the potential long-term impact on global governance. Russia and China welcomed the move, calling it a “clear message against unilateral military interventions.”

As protests erupt across parts of Latin America and emergency diplomatic talks continue, analysts warn that the decision could dramatically reshape global power dynamics and weaken already strained international institutions.

The situation remains fluid, with further statements expected from the White House and the UN in the coming hours. The world is watching closely as this extraordinary chapter in international relations continues to unfold.

A seismic shift in the global  automotive landscape is underway as Germany’s premier  luxury car manufacturers initiate a sudden and staggering withdrawal from the United States market. This unprecedented move, triggered by aggressive new tariff policies from the Trump administration, threatens to cripple a significant segment of the American  auto industry and reshape international trade alliances overnight.

President Donald Trump’s declaration of a blanket 25% tariff on imported vehicles, coupled with duties as high as 200% on critical auto components, has rendered the longstanding business models of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi financially untenable. The policy, announced via social media without prior negotiation, left industry executives with an impossible choice: absorb catastrophic losses or exit the market.

For decades, these brands symbolized engineering prestige in America, operating massive assembly plants in Alabama and South Carolina while dominating the premium segment. Now, production lines at these facilities are slowing, and strategic plans worth billions are being scrapped. The immediate economic fallout is severe, with an estimated $55 to $60 billion in annual revenue suddenly vanishing from the U.S. automotive economy.

The core of the crisis lies in the intricate, globalized supply chain. While final assembly occurred on American soil, essential components like engines, digital dashboards, and electronic systems were imported from Germany, Slovakia, and Mexico. The new tariffs inflated production costs by thousands of dollars per vehicle, destroying profitability almost instantly. “If you don’t build it here, you won’t sell it here,” President Trump stated, framing the measures as protection for national interests and domestic manufacturing. The White House has shown no indication of reversing course, insisting the move will force automakers to localize production fully. Industry analysts, however, warn the reality is a stark contraction.

The withdrawal sends shockwaves far beyond corporate boardrooms. An estimated 2,500 companies in the automotive supply chain face collapse or downsizing, having relied on contracts with the German giants. Furthermore, U.S. automotive exports are projected to plummet by $15 billion, as models like the BMW X5, once proudly labeled “Made in USA” for global export, cease production.

American dealerships are in disarray, with luxury vehicles sitting unsold and future warranty and service operations thrown into uncertainty. The policy’s ripple effects threaten to increase costs for domestic automakers like Ford and GM, who share parts suppliers with the departing Europeans, potentially raising prices for American consumers across the board. In a dramatic geopolitical pivot, the German automakers are swiftly redirecting their strategic investments toward Asia. China has explicitly welcomed the displaced industry, signing a wave of new agreements on electric mobility and autonomous driving. Mercedes-Benz is relocating its EV platform development to China, while BMW plans a new production hub in Chongqing.

This exodus represents not just an economic blow but a significant hit to America’s image as a stable, premier destination for advanced manufacturing and foreign direct investment. It signals a fracturing of transatlantic trade relations and accelerates the decoupling of Western and Eastern automotive technological ecosystems.

Economists estimate the total contraction in U.S. automotive trade could reach $40 to $45 billion. While the administration’s intent was to bolster domestic industry, the immediate consequence is market destabilization, massive job losses, and a gaping hole in the premium vehicle segment that domestic brands are not positioned to fill quickly. The long-term implications are profound. The United States now faces the immense challenge of rebuilding a self-sufficient automotive supply chain from a diminished baseline. Meanwhile, Germany is restructuring its global strategy around what it views as an unpredictable U.S. market, and China consolidates its position as the new center of gravity for automotive innovation.

This realignment proves that no market position, no matter how commanding, is permanent. The departure of these automotive titans from American soil marks the end of an era and the chaotic dawn of a new, more fragmented, and protectionist chapter in global industry. The race to control the future of mobility has entered a volatile new phase, with winners and losers yet to be determined.

What began as quiet legal maneuvering in Washington has suddenly detonated into a political firestorm as new evidence tied to Special Counsel Jack Smith reportedly throws Donald Trump back into the center of an explosive election interference probe, transforming sealed court filings into a high-stakes legal showdown with consequences that could reshape the political landscape.

For weeks, activity around the investigation appeared procedural, almost routine, buried beneath layers of legal language and limited public visibility. But that calm has now shattered. According to sources familiar with the matter, newly surfaced material connected to Jack Smith’s probe is being described as ironclad, evidence so detailed and interconnected that it has reignited discussions once thought politically dormant. What was previously dismissed by allies as noise has returned with force, clarity, and an urgency that has left Washington buzzing.

The shift was immediate. Online, the narrative flipped in real time as analysts, commentators, and legal observers began dissecting the implications. Dense filings were suddenly translated into viral explanations, timelines, and theories that spread across platforms within hours. The case, once confined to courtrooms and closed-door briefings, became a national spectacle again, unfolding minute by minute before a stunned audience.

Behind the scenes, sources say Trump’s inner circle did not take the development lightly. Reports describe visible panic as allies scrambled to contain the fallout. Emergency meetings were convened. Late-night calls stretched into the early hours. Messaging strategies were revised repeatedly as each new detail surfaced, forcing rapid recalculations in a situation that many insiders had believed was already under control.

Supporters flooded social media, some in disbelief, others in outright anger, while critics seized on the moment as proof that accountability had merely been delayed, not denied. The tone across political spaces shifted sharply. Confidence gave way to uncertainty. Dismissal turned into defensive urgency. Even longtime observers noted how quickly the mood changed as the scale of the alleged evidence became clearer.

Insiders claim that leaked documents and alleged hidden communications are now under intense review, forming a web of interactions that investigators believe may reveal coordinated efforts during critical moments tied to election certification delays. While official confirmations remain tightly guarded, the consistency of the leaks has only fueled speculation that prosecutors are holding far more than previously known.

As the pressure mounted, allies rushed to television appearances and press statements, attempting to reframe the situation before it hardened into public consensus. But the speed of the reaction made control difficult. Each response appeared to trigger more questions. Each denial was met with screenshots, timestamps, and counterclaims spreading faster than they could be rebutted.

What has truly unsettled many observers is not just the content of the alleged evidence, but the timing. With the political calendar already tense, the resurfacing of this investigation has amplified fears within the MAGA camp that this moment could define the months ahead. Sources say the concern is no longer about public opinion alone, but about whether legal avenues for delay are rapidly narrowing.

Across Washington, the atmosphere has grown heavy. Lawmakers are watching closely. Political strategists are recalculating risk. Legal analysts are openly debating whether this phase of the investigation represents a turning point rather than another chapter in a long-running saga. The phrase “no escape this time” has begun circulating not as rhetoric, but as a serious question being asked behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, the internet continues to churn. Every development is clipped, reposted, and reinterpreted within minutes. The story refuses to settle. Instead, it accelerates, pulling in new angles and fresh speculation as audiences demand answers about what comes next and how far this probe could ultimately go.

One thing is clear as this legal drama spirals across timelines everywhere. What once seemed distant and abstract has become immediate and unavoidable. Whether this moment leads to accountability, escalation, or another dramatic twist, the ground beneath American politics is shifting again, and this time, few believe the fallout can be contained.

JUST IN: Supreme Court Blocks President Donald Trump from Taking Any Further Military Action in Venezuela Without Explicit Approval from Congress, Ordering an Immediate Freeze on Resource and Oil Exploitation Plans

In a historic ruling that sharply constrains presidential war powers, the **U.S. Supreme Court** today blocked President Donald Trump from undertaking any further military action in **Venezuela** without clear, explicit approval from **Congress**, and ordered an immediate freeze on all plans related to U.S. exploitation of Venezuelan resources, including oil.

According to the decision, which departed from decades of executive branch latitude in foreign engagements, the Court held that the Constitution grants **Congress — not the president — the authority to declare war and authorize military interventions abroad**. The ruling also emphasized that actions involving a nation’s sovereign resources, such as oil and minerals, require legislative oversight and authorization.

> *“The President may not unilaterally commit the United States to hostilities or to the control or extraction of another nation’s natural resources without a clear act of Congress,”* the opinion stated.

The decision came amid intense political friction over U.S. military involvement in Venezuela, where Trump’s administration launched a controversial operation in early January that resulted in the **capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro** and his transfer to the United States. The intervention drew sharp condemnation from lawmakers of both parties who argued that it lacked legal basis and violated constitutional war powers norms.([Reuters][1])

#### **Congress Pushes Back**

Earlier this week, the **U.S. Senate voted 52–47** to advance a **War Powers Resolution** designed to limit the president’s ability to conduct further military operations in Venezuela without congressional authorization. A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including five Republicans, sided with Democrats in pushing the measure forward, reflecting deep unease over the administration’s actions.

Senators backing the resolution underscored that the Constitution explicitly vests war-declaring powers in Congress — a check they said had been repeatedly bypassed in the recent campaign against Venezuelan leadership and infrastructure. Critics of the president’s approach argue that the U.S. raid on Caracas and subsequent moves toward asserting control over Venezuelan oil fields risk a broader conflict and potentially unlawful seizure of another country’s assets.

President Trump has defended his strategy as necessary for national security and combating drug trafficking and corruption, but the escalating legislative pushback — now culminating in the Supreme Court’s intervention — suggests a significant reassertion of constitutional checks on executive military authority.

#### **Impact on U.S.–Venezuela Relations**

If upheld, the Court’s directive would effectively halt any further U.S. military engagement in Venezuela until Congress acts. It would also require the Trump administration to suspend ongoing or planned efforts to develop or exploit Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, dealing a blow to strategic economic plans tied to the intervention.

Political analysts say the ruling could have far-reaching implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly in cases where the White House seeks to expand military commitments without broad legislative support.

JUST IN:30 minutes ago, tension surged on Capitol Hill after special counsel Jack Smith formally demanded that Rep. Jim Jordan release the full video of his eight-hour, closed-door testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.

Tension escalated on Capitol Hill earlier today after reports emerged that Special Counsel Jack Smith has formally requested Rep. Jim Jordan to release the full video recording of his eight-hour, closed-door testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. The request, made public roughly 30 minutes ago, has sparked immediate political and legal debate, given the sensitive nature of the testimony and its potential relevance to ongoing federal investigations.

Sources familiar with the matter say the special counsel is seeking the unedited footage to clarify discrepancies between witness accounts and previously released excerpts or summaries of the session. Rep. Jordan, a senior Republican and a prominent figure in congressional oversight matters, testified behind closed doors as part of an internal committee inquiry, with the recording remaining under House control.

The demand has already drawn sharp reactions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Supporters of the request argue that transparency is essential where testimony may intersect with federal investigative interests, while critics warn that releasing the video could undermine congressional privilege and set a precedent for executive intrusion into legislative proceedings. As of now, Rep. Jordan’s office has not issued a formal response, and it remains unclear whether the House Judiciary Committee will comply with the request.