Key details: In 2022 federal prosecutors subpoenaed Verizon for Jim Jordan’s phone toll records dating back to Jan. 1, 2020, spanning more than two years. The subpoena — signed by a prosecutor who later joined special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 team — sought metadata only and included a one-year gag order. Critics say such demands may intrude on congressional privilege; DOJ officials contend the probes and subpoenas were appropriate and narrowly focused.
DOJ Subpoena Sought Jim Jordan’s Phone Toll Records Spanning More Than Two Years
Key details: In 2022 federal prosecutors subpoenaed Verizon for Jim Jordan’s phone toll records dating back to Jan. 1, 2020, spanning more than two years. The subpoena — signed by a prosecutor who later joined special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 team — sought metadata only and included a one-year gag order. Critics say such demands may intrude on congressional privilege; DOJ officials contend the probes and subpoenas were appropriate and narrowly focused.
04:04 PM, 11/21/2025Politics
Federal prosecutors issued a subpoena in 2022 seeking House Judiciary Committee member Jim Jordan’s personal phone toll records that extend back to Jan. 1, 2020, covering a period of more than two years. The subpoena, signed by a prosecutor who later joined special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 team, included a one-year gag order restricting notification.
What the subpoena requested
The request targeted toll (metadata) records — not the content of calls or texts — showing when calls and messages were sent or received and which numbers were involved. The document also sought records for three additional phone numbers that remain redacted in the publicly available copy.
Timing and context
The subpoena was issued well before Jack Smith was named special counsel, meaning the specific request predated his appointment at the Department of Justice. It appears to be one of the earlier publicly known demands in the probe codenamed Arctic Frost, the investigation that contributed to election-related charges brought by Smith.
Political and legal considerations
At the time the subpoena was served, Jordan was the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee and later became its chairman. Republicans have criticized the Arctic Frost subpoenas, arguing that seeking lawmakers' toll records intrudes on congressional independence and may implicate constitutional protections such as the Speech or Debate Clause. Supporters of the investigation say the subpoenas were narrowly tailored and followed DOJ policy.
Other lawmakers and responses
Several other lawmakers have learned their toll records were sought as part of the same inquiry. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s records were reportedly sought in 2023. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has said the department sought records for at least 10 Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz and Ron Johnson.
Provider cooperation and statements
A source close to the matter said the carrier produced documents in response to the subpoena. The carrier has said it has been coordinating with both House and Senate judiciary panels and is working to provide transparency and to support discussions about notification protections and potential reforms.
The key points: the subpoena sought metadata only, covered more than two years beginning Jan. 1, 2020, included a gag order, and was issued before the special counsel appointment that later handled related charges. The disclosure has intensified debate over investigative scope and congressional privilege.