Following the news that Special Counsel Jack Smith sent a target letter to former President Donald Trump regarding the January 6th investigation, CNN anchors and reporters dedicated significant airtime to footage of Smith having lunch at a Subway restaurant. CNN's "Inside Politics" host Dana Bash and correspondent Evan Perez discussed the "imagery" of Smith's casual lunch, contrasting it with Trump's social media posts criticizing Smith. Bash suggested that the footage was intentionally released to portray Smith as an ordinary individual, unlike Trump's characterization of him as "deranged." Perez provided a detailed account of Smith's lunch, even noting his place in line. On "CNN News Central," correspondent John King echoed this sentiment, describing Smith's Subway visit as a deliberate message to Trump, demonstrating that he would not be intimidated. Bash concurred, emphasizing the intentional nature of the imagery. This extensive coverage of Smith's lunch comes amidst Trump’s Truth Social post where he labeled Smith "deranged" and accused the Justice Department of targeting him. A government source confirmed to Fox News that Trump received a target letter, suggesting a potential indictment.

Special Counsel Jack Smith seen leaving a Subway restaurant. (CNN)

Former President Donald Trump revealed that Special Counsel Jack Smith informed him he is a target of the Jan. 6 grand jury investigation. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Special Counsel Jack Smith was previously appointed to investigate Trump for allegedly keeping classified documents in his Mar-a-Lago home. (Fox News screenshot/AP Photo)