Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Jack Smith defends Trump probes in first public testimony
Jack Smith, who used to be a special counsel, talked to a group of lawmakers about his investigations into former President Donald Trump.
He said he and his team did everything by the book and weren't influenced by politics.
Some lawmakers, like Kevin Kiley, didn't seem convinced and made jokes about Smith's answers.
Others, like Jamie Raskin, supported Smith's work.
Smith also mentioned that some of his team members were let go, which he thinks makes the country less safe.
He ended by saying he won't be scared into changing his stance.
Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into Donald Trump.
Smith defended his actions, stating they were based on facts and the law, not political bias.
When asked about regrets, Smith focused on appreciating his team's hard work rather than his legal decisions.
The hearing highlighted partisan divisions, with Republicans accusing Smith of political motives and Democrats supporting his adherence to the rule of law.
Smith warned that the dismissal of his team members by the Justice Department makes the country less safe.
- Who
- Jack Smith, former US special counsel, testified before the House Judiciary Committee.
- What
- Smith defended his investigations into President Donald Trump and his team's actions.
- When
- The testimony took place on January 22, 2026.
- Where
- The hearing occurred in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
- Why
- Smith aimed to justify his investigations and prosecutions of Trump, asserting they were based on facts and the law, not political bias.
- Date of Testimony
- January 22, 2026
- Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
- Location
- Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC
- Key Witness
- Jack Smith
- Main Topic
- Investigations into Donald Trump