In brief
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith will testify publicly on January 22 about his investigations into Donald Trump, including the Capitol riot and mishandling of classified documents. Previously, Smith has stated that the events of January 6 could not have occurred without Trump's involvement. Trump's legal battles continue as he claims the Justice Department is politically motivated against him.
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 on a Fox News interview that Smith would appear before the panel on January 22. A spokesman for Smith also verified the upcoming committee hearing.Previously, Smith had provided closed-door testimony to lawmakers. A transcript of that session reveals Smith asserted that the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol 'does not happen' without Trump’s involvement. Smith spearheaded investigations regarding Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election after losing to Democrat Joe Biden. Both investigations resulted in indictments, which were later dropped following Trump's presidential win in November 2024, based on Justice Department legal opinions that restrict the indictment of a sitting president.One of Smith’s attorneys, Lanny Breuer, indicated last week, ahead of the scheduled public hearing, that 'Jack has been clear for months he is ready and willing to answer questions in a public hearing about his investigations into President Trump’s alleged unlawful efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his mishandling of classified documents.' Trump has maintained that the Justice Department is being used as a political tool against him amid his bid for a return to the White House.}
