In a landmark public appearance before a congressional committee, former Special Counsel Jack Smith asserted that Donald Trump was directly responsible for the 6 January , 2021, Capitol riots.
Marking his first public testimony regarding his criminal probes, Smith told lawmakers that his team had secured “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” to win convictions in both the election interference and classified documents cases.
During the five-hour hearing, Smith remained steadfast in his decision to indict the former president, stating he would take the same action today regardless of the defendant’s political affiliation.
“No one should be above the law in our country, and the law required that he be held to account,” Smith testified, describing the evidence against Trump as “overwhelming”.
He specifically identified Trump as the central figure in the conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, arguing that the Capitol attack “does not happen without him” and that his co-conspirators acted for his direct benefit.
The hearing underscored the deep political divisions in Washington. Republican lawmakers characterized the investigations as partisan “spying” and politically motivated attacks.
Texas Republican Troy Nehls went as far as to blame the US Capitol Police leadership for the security failure on 6 January, rather than Trump.
Conversely, Democrats praised the investigations, while four former Capitol Police officers in attendance grew visible frustrated as some lawmakers downplayed the events of that day.
When questioned about potential legal retaliation from a Justice Department now led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Smith admitted he expects to be targeted.
He claimed that the Trump administration would likely use its power to intimidate him, following orders from the president himself. Despite an ongoing investigation into his own office, Smith stated he “will not be intimidated,” viewing the threats as a warning to others who might challenge the administration.
Smith also voiced sharp criticism of Trump’s decision to issue mass pardons to more than 1,000 individuals involved in the Capitol riot. Expressing disbelief, the former prosecutor noted that many of those pardoned had been accused of assaulting police officers.
“All of us, if we’re reasonable, know that there’s going to be more crimes committed by these people in the future,” he warned.
Monitoring the hearing while returning from Switzerland, Trump lashed out at the proceedings on social media.
He labeled Smith a “deranged animal” and a “deranged Jack Smith,” arguing that the Special Counsel should be prosecuted for his actions. Trump further suggested that Smith’s law license should be revoked, claiming the prosecutions were an attempt to destroy lives under a “guise of legitimacy”.
Though the criminal cases were dropped following Trump’s return to the White House, the public testimony provided the first comprehensive look into the evidence Smith’s team had compiled.
