Former Special Counsel Jack Smith appeared on Capitol Hill on Wednesday for a high-stakes, closed-door hearing about his investigations into President Donald Trump.
In his opening statement, Smith told Congress his team 'developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt' that Trump 'engaged in a criminal scheme' to overturn the 2020 election results. He also charged Trump with allegedly mishandling classified documents.
Trump has pleaded not guilty in both cases, while the prosecutions ended after the presidential elections. Since returning to office, he has demanded investigations of the officials who charged him.
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan criticized Smith's investigations as 'partisan and politically motivated' and raised concerns about subpoenas for Republican lawmakers' phone records.
Smith asserted that the basis for the charges lies entirely with Trump and his actions, citing 'powerful evidence' of obstruction in returning classified documents to the government.
Democrats on the committee are eager to learn more about Smith's findings. Meanwhile, Smith voluntarily offered to testify in an open hearing, but this was declined.
This testimony may influence the ongoing political landscape as the 2024 elections are on the horizon, with Trump's claims of witch hunts complicating the narrative.
