Jack Smith Reveals ‘Proof’ of Trump’s Criminal Actions in Hearing

URGENT UPDATE: Special Counsel Jack Smith has just testified that his team has developed “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” of Donald Trump’s involvement in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. This revelation came during a closed-door hearing with the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in ongoing investigations into Trump’s actions.

Smith confirmed that investigators have gathered “powerful evidence” supporting allegations that Trump unlawfully hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructed efforts by the government to retrieve them. These statements are crucial as they come amid heightened scrutiny of Trump’s conduct following his 2020 election loss.

During his testimony, Smith emphasized his commitment to impartiality, stating, “I made my decisions in the investigation without regard to President Trump’s political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 election. We took actions based on what the facts and the law required.” He further asserted that he would prosecute any former president under similar circumstances, regardless of their political affiliation.

This private deposition marks Smith’s first opportunity to address lawmakers concerning both of his investigations into Trump, which have faced significant political backlash. The hearing follows a subpoena issued to Smith earlier this month as part of a Republican inquiry into the Trump probes initiated during the Biden administration.

According to Smith’s attorney, Lanny Breuer, his testimony reflects “tremendous courage” in light of potential repercussions from the current administration. Breuer stated, “Let’s be clear: Jack Smith is a career prosecutor, who conducted this investigation based on the facts and based on the law and nothing more.”

Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed his preference for an open hearing, stating, “I’d rather see him testify publicly. There’s no way he can answer the questions.” However, Smith is expected to avoid addressing grand jury materials during his testimony, which are legally protected.

Smith’s investigations have not only focused on Trump’s attempts to overturn the election but also on the controversial handling of classified documents. His team previously filed charges in both cases but later abandoned them after Trump’s re-election bid last year, citing legal opinions that a sitting president cannot be indicted.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Smith’s testimony is anticipated to shed light on numerous mischaracterizations about his work, particularly regarding the analysis of phone records from select GOP lawmakers surrounding the events of January 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

What happens next remains critical, as Smith is under pressure to clarify his findings and the implications they have for Trump and his political future. The fallout from this testimony could have significant repercussions as the nation approaches the 2024 presidential election.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.