Justice Dept. subpoenas election officials in key states for Trump comms

• The subpoenas, which were sent to Dane County, Wis.; Maricopa County, Ariz.; Wayne County, Mich.; and Milwaukee, Wis., are among the first known requests for records by the newly appointed special counsel, the Post notes.
• The three states in focus were at the center of Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
• Officials in Arizona and Wisconsin confirmed to Axios that they received subpoenas from Smith. Axios has also reached out to the Michigan secretary of state's office for confirmation.

Between the lines: The subpoena asks for communication with Trump and members of his close circle from June 1, 2020 through Jan. 20, 2021, per a copy of the request to the Dane County Clerk reviewed by Axios.

Catch up quick: Smith was appointed last month to oversee the federal criminal investigations into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and handling of classified documents.

• The purpose of Smith's appointment was to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest.

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Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.