Jack Smith Says He Had “Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” That Trump Conspired to Overturn the 2020 Election

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers in a closed-door interview Wednesday that his investigators developed “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that Donald Trump criminally conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, according to portions of Smith’s opening statement obtained by the Associated Press.

Smith also said his team uncovered “powerful evidence” that Trump broke the law by retaining classified documents after leaving office and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. The materials were stored at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, including in unsecured locations, investigators found.

“I made my decisions in the investigation without regard to President Trump’s political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 election,” Smith told lawmakers. He emphasized that prosecutors acted solely on the facts and the law, a principle he said has guided his career.

Related White House Plaques Echo Trump Rhetoric, Label Biden ‘Worst President in History’

Smith added that he would pursue the same charges today under identical circumstances, regardless of a president’s political party. “I would do so whether the president was a Republican or a Democrat,” he said.

The private deposition before the House Judiciary Committee marked the first time lawmakers questioned Smith about the two Trump investigations that resulted in criminal charges later abandoned after Trump returned to office. Smith was subpoenaed by the Republican-led panel as part of a GOP probe into the investigations initiated during the administration of Joe Biden.

Smith cooperated with the subpoena, though his attorneys noted he had previously offered to testify publicly — an offer they say Republicans declined. Trump himself had said he supported the idea of an open hearing.

Related Trump Hit With Demand to Hand Over Medical and Tax Records After Pulitzer Lawsuit Backfires

“Jack is showing tremendous courage,” Smith attorney Lanny Breuer said, arguing that Smith conducted the investigations professionally and without political motive. Breuer criticized what he described as an unprecedented campaign of retaliation against Smith.

Several Democrats said Smith’s testimony explained why Republicans avoided a public hearing. Rep. Jamie Raskin said an open session would have been “devastating” to Trump and others involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, adding that Smith spent hours outlining prosecutors’ ethical obligations.

Republicans, however, dismissed Smith’s account. Committee Chair Jim Jordan said the investigations were “political,” declining to discuss specifics from the interview, while GOP lawmakers continue to release selected documents they say undermine the probes.

The testimony comes as Trump’s administration intensifies scrutiny of officials who investigated him, even as Democrats press to make Smith’s testimony and final report public. “The American people should hear for themselves,” said Rep. Dan Goldman, as the political battle over the legacy of the Trump investigations continues to escalate.

Joseph Johnson

They say not everyone has the gift of gab to be able to talk about politics in the correct light - but Joseph is the perfect mix between a healthy critic, and a realist cynic. His unique personality works wonders at political discussions which are bound to cause a stir. He is an intellectual with many years of experience in the field, and his work is a reflection of his dedication to making political scenarios common knowledge among the citizens of the nation.