UPDATE: Special Counsel Jack Smith has just testified that his team has gathered “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that Donald Trump engaged in a criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. This revelation came during a closed-door hearing with the House Judiciary Committee earlier today.
Smith’s testimony marks a significant moment in ongoing investigations into Trump’s actions surrounding the election and his handling of classified documents at his estate in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Smith emphasized that investigators have collected “powerful evidence” indicating illegal conduct by Trump, particularly concerning the hoarding of classified materials and obstructing governmental recovery efforts.
In his opening statement, portions of which were obtained by The Associated Press, Smith stated, “I made my decisions in the investigation without regard to President Trump’s political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 election.” He underscored that his prosecutorial actions were purely based on legal facts, irrespective of political implications.
Smith’s closed-door deposition is critical as it allows him to address questions regarding two key investigations into Trump. He was subpoenaed earlier this month amid Republican inquiries into the investigations conducted during the Biden administration. Despite this, Smith’s lawyers argue that his willingness to testify publicly was a show of courage in the face of a “remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign” against him.
Trump reacted to Smith’s closed-door testimony by expressing his preference for a public hearing, stating, “I’d rather see him testify publicly. There’s no way he can answer the questions.” This highlights the ongoing contention surrounding the investigations as Trump continues to deny wrongdoing.
The special counsel is expected to clarify misconceptions held by Republicans about his investigations, including inquiries into cellphone records belonging to specific GOP lawmakers. These records were analyzed as part of the probe into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, which sought to disrupt the certification of Biden’s victory.
Smith was appointed in 2022 to oversee these investigations, but his team had to abandon criminal charges against Trump after he was re-elected last year, based on legal opinions indicating that a sitting president cannot be indicted. With Republicans now in control of Congress, they have intensified their scrutiny of Smith’s team and the methods employed during their investigations.
As these developments unfold, it remains to be seen how Smith’s testimony will impact the ongoing discourse surrounding Trump’s actions and the broader implications for the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.
