Jack Smith, previously serving as a special counsel for the Justice Department, is slated to provide public testimony in late January concerning his investigative work related to former President Donald Trump. This appearance is scheduled before the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, as confirmed by the panel's Republican chairman, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, during a Fox News Channel interview Monday evening. Smith's office officially verified the arrangement on Tuesday.
Smith is no stranger to the committee, having already given evidence in a closed-door session. A transcript from that confidential proceeding reveals that he informed lawmakers the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, would not have occurred without Trump's involvement.
The investigations led by Smith centered on two major issues: Trump's retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida and his attempts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election after losing to Joe Biden. Both inquiries culminated in indictments; however, these were ultimately withdrawn following Trump's successful bid for the presidency in November 2024. The department’s decision referenced established legal opinions that prohibit indicting a sitting president.
Among Smith’s legal representation, attorney Lanny Breuer issued a statement last week acknowledging Smith’s readiness to participate in an open hearing concerning the investigations into Trump's alleged unlawful conduct related to the 2020 election and the handling of sensitive materials.
Trump, meanwhile, has publicly asserted that the Department of Justice's actions have been politically motivated against him as he seeks a return to the presidency.