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Former special counsel testifies on Trump investigations
In his first public testimony, former special counsel Jack Smith told a congressional committee that Donald Trump bore responsibility for the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by rioters. Smith stated his team had gathered evidence sufficient to secure convictions in both cases against Trump-election interference and mishandling classified documents-before the charges were dismissed after Trump's return to the White House.
Smith stands by prosecutions
Smith told lawmakers he had no regrets about pursuing charges against Trump, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, should be above the law. "If asked whether to prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so," he said. "The law required that he be held to account."
"No one should be above the law in our country."
Jack Smith, former special counsel
Evidence points to Trump's central role
Smith described the evidence against Trump as "overwhelming," particularly in the election interference case. He argued that the Capitol riot would not have occurred without Trump's actions, stating, "The attack that happened at the Capitol does not happen without him. The other co-conspirators were doing this for his benefit."
When asked if he feared indictment by the Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has close ties to Trump, Smith replied, "I believe they will do everything in their power to do that because they have been ordered to by the president." He added that Trump's public statements were intended to intimidate but affirmed, "I will not be intimidated."
Lawmakers clash over accountability
Republicans on the committee accused Smith of partisan motives and overreach, including allegations that his team improperly sought phone records of GOP lawmakers. Democrats, meanwhile, focused on Trump's alleged role in the January 6 violence and praised Smith's investigations.
Texas Republican Troy Nehls sparked outrage when he blamed the Capitol Police for the riot, claiming they were "unprepared" due to leadership failures. His remarks prompted audible protests from the audience, including four former Capitol Police officers who attended the hearing. The officers, who were present during the attack, have repeatedly expressed frustration over Republican efforts to downplay the riot's severity.
Trump's pardons and post-hearing reactions
Smith criticized Trump's decision to pardon over 1,000 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the Capitol riot, many of whom faced assault or obstruction charges. "I do not understand why you would mass pardon people who assaulted police officers," he said. "I never will."
After the hearing, Trump took to social media to attack Smith, calling him "deranged" and accusing him of destroying lives. "Deranged Jack Smith is being DECIMATED before Congress," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It was over when they discussed his past failures and unfair prosecutions." He also urged Attorney General Bondi to investigate Smith's actions.
Smith concluded his testimony by shaking hands with the four former officers, who have been vocal about their experiences on January 6.
