Jack Smith Defends Probes Into President Trump's Actions, Cites 'So Many' Witnesses and Threats Ahead
AP News: Jack Smith defended his probes, citing numerous witnesses and warning of threats, as Republicans attacked subpoenas and tactics during a contentious House hearing.
Overview
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee Jan. 22, defending investigations into President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and classified documents retention.
Smith said investigators had “so many witnesses,” including Republican officials, and asserted evidence beyond a reasonable doubt showed Trump engaged in criminal activity tied to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Republicans challenged Smith’s use of nondisclosure orders and subpoenas for lawmakers' phone toll records, arguing the actions risked violating separation-of-powers and Speech or Debate protections.
Smith defended secrecy, gag orders and evidence protections as responses to witness intimidation, warning that Trump allies might retaliate and saying he would not be intimidated by threats.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the hearing as validation of Smith’s prosecution by emphasizing his assertions of “overwhelming evidence” and Trump as “most culpable,” while foregrounding Democratic approval and officers’ reactions. Editorial choices (headlines, framing sentences like “lawmakers broke little new ground,” selection/order of quotes) amplify Smith’s case; direct quotes remain source content.
Sources (31)
FAQ
Jack Smith defended his investigations into President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his retention of classified documents.
Smith stated that his investigations developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in criminal activity related to the January 6 Capitol attack.
Republicans challenged Smith's use of nondisclosure orders, subpoenas for lawmakers' phone toll records, arguing they risked violating separation-of-powers and Speech or Debate protections.
Smith defended secrecy, gag orders, and evidence protections as necessary responses to witness intimidation and threats from Trump allies.
The hearing titled 'Oversight of the Office of Special Counsel Jack Smith' was held on January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
History
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