In a fiery exchange of words, Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley has openly criticized Democrats for their staunch defense of former special counsel Jack Smith during a recent committee hearing. Grassley, a seasoned Republican from Iowa, accused his Democratic counterparts of embarrassing themselves by defending what he describes as Smith's "unlawful and unconstitutional actions."

Grassley's discontent was aired in a letter addressed to the committee's top Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois. This letter, which POLITICO obtained exclusively, articulated Grassley’s frustrations with the Democrats' handling of records and their oversight—or lack thereof—of Smith's prosecutorial conduct. "You see, your side can’t argue about Rules when your side doesn’t play by them," Grassley wrote pointedly to Durbin.

The tension escalated following Durbin's demand for an apology from Grassley on behalf of Republican committee members. Durbin criticized the GOP’s aggressive questioning of Smith, who had brought criminal charges against former President Donald Trump. The charges related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling of classified documents.

Highlighting a specific incident, Durbin took issue with Missouri GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt's baseless claim that Smith attended an NBA game as part of a conspiracy with local prosecutors against Trump. Durbin contended that such records should have been made accessible before the hearing.

Grassley, in his response, did not shy away from accusing the Democrats of similar transgressions, including past instances where information was allegedly withheld or leaked during critical confirmation battles, citing the contentious confirmations of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 and Judge Emil Bove in 2025.

Moreover, Grassley lamented the Democrats' refusal to join him in various investigative efforts, ranging from probing Smith's actions to investigating alleged corruption involving former President Joe Biden’s family. “They all failed to lend a hand or request to join my oversight,” Grassley expressed in his letter.

In terms of moving forward, Grassley assured Durbin that his staff was actively working to provide access to the contentious records referenced by Schmitt and fellow Senator Josh Hawley. He noted, however, that some records would remain undisclosed for the time being as the investigation into Smith is ongoing.

Grassley concluded with a stern reminder of his investigative mandate, hinting that the recent hearing was far from the culmination of his efforts. Meanwhile, on social media platform X, Grassley called for Smith to apologize for allegedly obtaining the bank records of thousands of Americans, including Iowans, without due process.

Responses from Smith's and Durbin’s offices were pending at the time of this report.