In brief
Jack Smith, the former special counsel investigating Donald Trump, will testify before the House Judiciary Committee next week. This public hearing comes after closed-door testimonies where Smith linked Trump directly to the January 6 riot. His inquiries include Trump's handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, both of which led to indictments that were ultimately not pursued after Trump's election victory.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith is set to testify publicly next week about his investigations into President Donald Trump that resulted in two indictments. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, confirmed in a Fox News Channel interview that Smith would appear before the panel on Jan. 22. A representative for Smith also verified the hearing.Smith previously testified behind closed doors, and a transcript from that session reveals he stated that the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol 'does not happen' without Trump. His investigations focused on Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, as well as his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election following his defeat to Joe Biden.Although the investigations led to indictments, they were set aside after Trump's November 2024 presidential victory, based on Justice Department legal opinions that prohibit indicting a sitting president.One of Smith’s attorneys, Lanny Breuer, stated last week that Jack has made it clear he is ready to publicly answer questions about Trump’s attempts to overturn the election and his handling of classified documents. Trump has criticized the Justice Department, alleging it has been weaponized against him as he seeks a return to the presidency.
