In a highly anticipated congressional hearing, former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to prosecute former President Donald Trump, stating unequivocally that he would make the same choice regardless of the president’s political affiliation. Smith told lawmakers that he had amassed “overwhelming evidence” that could have secured convictions against Trump in two separate criminal cases – one related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, and the other to his alleged illegal retention of classified documents after leaving office.
The former prosecutor maintained that the January 6th attack on the US Capitol “does not happen without” Trump, arguing that the former president was “by a large measure, the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy.” Smith asserted that the crimes committed on that day were carried out for Trump’s benefit, with the other co-conspirators acting on his behalf.
Despite facing a potential investigation by the Justice Department, which is now led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump ally, Smith vowed that he would not be intimidated. He accused the former president of making statements aimed at discouraging others from standing up to him, but insisted, “I will not be intimidated.”
The partisan divide over the events of January 6th was on full display during the hearing, with some Republican lawmakers continuing to downplay the severity of the attack and shift blame away from Trump. Texas Republican Troy Nehls, for example, argued that the fault lay with the Capitol Police leadership, not the former president.
However, Smith remained steadfast in his conviction, stating that he did not regret his decision to prosecute Trump and that “no one should be above the law in our country.” The former special counsel’s testimony provided a rare public glimpse into the inner workings of his investigations, offering a compelling and unapologetic defence of his actions.
