Jack Smith Defends Trump Investigations in Public House Hearing
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified for more than four hours, rejecting claims that the Biden White House directed his prosecutions.
Overview
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified for more than four hours before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, defending his decision to bring two criminal cases against former President Donald J. Trump, according to committee transcripts.
Smith said his investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump "engaged in criminal activity" related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election and to retain classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, a point he reiterated under oath.
President Donald J. Trump called Smith "a deranged animal" in a Truth Social post and urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate him, while House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, pressed Smith on the probe's motives, records show.
Smith's special counsel office brought two criminal cases against Trump that were later moved to dismiss after the 2024 election, and Smith acknowledged seeking phone records from members of Congress including Sens. Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley and Ron Johnson, according to his testimony.
Smith warned he expects the Justice Department under Trump to seek retribution and possible indictments against him, and he said many prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on the investigations have been fired or face inquiries, Smith said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story to undercut Trump’s allegation that Biden directed Smith’s probe by foregrounding Democrats’ questions, Smith’s denials (source content), and fact-checks like noting Trump’s false claim. Editorial choices—loaded wording, quote placement, and emphasis on prosecutorial independence—collectively stress the absence of evidence of Biden interference.
Sources (8)
FAQ
The cases involved Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
No, Smith stated he followed the facts and law, secured indictments from grand juries, and made decisions without regard to Trump's politics or 2024 candidacy.
Smith's investigation found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump caused January 6th, that it was foreseeable to him, and that he sought to exploit the violence.
The two criminal cases were moved to dismiss after the 2024 election.
Smith warned that the Justice Department under Trump would seek retribution against him and has fired or inquired into many prosecutors and FBI agents involved.
History
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