Former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his investigations into former President Donald Trump during a closed-door testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Smith asserted that his team developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandled classified documents. These remarks, detailed in sections of his opening statement obtained by CBS News, underscore the core of the charges brought against the former president.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both investigations, which concluded before his re-election. The former president has since publicly called for investigations into the officials who prosecuted him, labeling Smith a “criminal” and advocating for his imprisonment alongside other Department of Justice officials involved in the 2020 election inquiry.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, a vocal ally of Donald Trump, has characterized Smith’s investigations as “partisan and politically motivated.” Jordan, who has consistently defended Trump through his impeachment inquiries, expressed alarm over the special counsel’s office subpoenaing phone records of several Republican lawmakers as part of the election investigation.

Smith’s testimony is taking place in a private setting, meaning the public cannot witness the proceedings in real-time. This closed-door format has drawn criticism, with sources close to Smith indicating his disappointment that an offer for an open hearing was rejected, thereby denying Americans the chance to hear directly from him.

Democrats on the committee, led by Congressman Jamie Raskin, stated their intention to gain a comprehensive understanding of Smith’s findings and actions. Raskin emphasized the importance of hearing the special counsel’s account firsthand to fully assess the outcomes of his inquiries into the former president’s conduct.

Smith’s opening statement also highlighted the substantial evidence gathered, indicating that the basis for the charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions. He further elaborated on the “powerful evidence” suggesting Trump retained classified documents and actively obstructed efforts to return them to the government, reinforcing the gravity of the allegations.

The context of Smith’s testimony is amplified by recent legal developments. In September, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted based on testimony given to Congress in 2019. However, a federal judge later dismissed the case, citing improper appointment of the prosecutor who brought the charges, underscoring the intricate legal landscape surrounding such proceedings.

Read Original

Keywords: Jack Smith, Donald Trump prosecutions, 2020 election investigation, classified documents, congressional testimony, Jim Jordan, partisan investigations, special counsel