‘Will you prosecute Jack Smith for perjury?’: Blanche replies to Hawley’s question with a ‘yes’

A heated Senate confirmation hearing erupted as Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche faced questions from Sen. Josh Hawley over whether former Special Counsel Jack Smith should be investigated for alleged perjury. When Hawley asked if he had considered such an investigation, Blanche replied, "We take testimony in front of this body very seriously. Yes." The exchange followed recent disclosures by Senate Republicans regarding Jack Smith's Trump investigation, with Hawley arguing Smith should be held accountable if he misled Congress under oath. Blanche stopped short of committing to any specific prosecution but indicated the matter would be taken seriously.