Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee that the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot was an event that “does not happen” without the involvement of Donald Trump. Smith characterized the former president as the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the conspiracy aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 election.
Why It Matters
This testimony marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigations into Trump’s actions surrounding the Capitol attack. Smith’s statements underscore the gravity of the allegations against Trump and highlight the extent to which his former allies have cooperated with the inquiry, further complicating the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.
Key Developments
- Jack Smith’s testimony reinforces the idea that Trump played a central role in the January 6 riot, stating the attack was conducted for his benefit.
- The testimony was part of a closed-door hearing, with Smith emphasizing the strong evidence against Trump from both allies and supporters.
- Smith asserted that Trump’s actions leading up to January 6, including spreading false claims about election fraud, contributed to the violence at the Capitol.
- Republican concerns regarding Smith’s investigation tactics—such as obtaining phone records—were rebuffed, with Smith attributing accountability to Trump instead.
Full Report
During the closed-door deposition held on December 17, 2025, Smith stated that it was clear from the evidence that Trump significantly contributed to the conspiracy surrounding the riot. “These crimes were committed for his benefit,” Smith asserted, and he rejected suggestions that the investigation aimed to hinder Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
The closed session was the first time Smith appeared on Capitol Hill since concluding his role as special counsel in January. Despite his plea to testify publicly, the session remained confidential. Following the deposition, the Judiciary Committee released a transcript and video, providing insight into Smith’s reasoning for pursuing charges against Trump, which include conspiracy to overturn the election results and mishandling classified documents.
Smith emphasized that the strength of the case against Trump rested significantly on the cooperation of his former allies. He referenced a former congressman in Pennsylvania who was set to act as an elector for Trump but characterized the attempted actions as an effort to “overthrow the government.” Smith highlighted the bravery of those Republicans who put national interest above party loyalty, calling their accounts some of the “most powerful” evidence against Trump.
Addressing the Capitol riot, Smith stated that Trump caused and exploited the violence, suggesting his actions were foreseeable. He pointed out that Trump misled supporters with false fraud claims leading up to the riot and, upon witnessing the chaos, did little to quell it. “He refused to stop it,” Smith noted, highlighting Trump’s inaction during the unfolding violence.
Concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the lawful procurement of GOP members’ phone records were met with a firm defense from Smith, who stated that accountability should lie with Trump for directing co-conspirators to delay legislative proceedings. He further discussed communications between Trump and Republican representatives during the riot, drawing attention to an incident involving former chief of staff Mark Meadows, who indicated that even staunch Republicans felt fear during the insurrection.
Smith also addressed explosive claims from Cassidy Hutchinson about an alleged incident where Trump attempted to grab the steering wheel of the presidential SUV after being denied access to the Capitol. While acknowledging the officer’s account corroborated Trump’s anger, he clarified that the specifics from Hutchinson’s secondhand account did not align precisely with the officer’s testimony.
Context & Previous Events
Donald Trump has faced numerous legal challenges following the events of January 6, including indictments related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and allegations of mishandling classified documents post-presidency. Smith’s investigations have drawn scrutiny and bipartisan interest as the political climate intensifies ahead of the 2024 election.
