Jack Smith Defends Trump Investigations to House Judiciary Committee

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday that his office developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Donald J. Trump engaged in criminal activity, Smith said.

Smith said he acted independently and denied any direction from President Joe Biden while noting his office brought two criminal cases tied to Jan. 6 and classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, Smith testified.

President Donald J. Trump attacked Smith in a Truth Social post calling him a "deranged animal" and urged "Attorney General Pam Bondi" to investigate, while Democrats on the panel, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, praised Smith, records show.

Smith said investigators subpoenaed phone records of lawmakers including Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Ron Johnson and that his team secured indictments that were later dismissed after the 2024 election, Smith testified.

Smith warned he expects the Trump Justice Department to seek retribution and pursue inquiries against him but said he would not be intimidated, while House Republicans signaled ongoing oversight and potential referrals, Smith said.