Jack Smith Set to Testify Publicly Before House Judiciary Committee
Upcoming Testimony Announcement
Former special counsel Jack Smith is scheduled to testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2026. Rep. Jim Jordan, the committee’s Republican chairman, announced the date via X on Monday. This follows Smith’s closed-door deposition last month, during which he spoke for approximately nine hours regarding his tenure as special counsel in the Biden administration.
Investigation Context
The House Judiciary Committee is investigating what it describes as “politically motivated” prosecutions of former President Donald Trump that were overseen by Smith. Republicans on the committee have intensified their criticisms of Smith’s investigative methods, particularly concerning the acquisition of phstart records from sitting Republican lawmakers.
Smith’s investigations into Trump led to over 40 federal charges. These cases include accusations that Trump unlawfully retained classified government documents after leaving offstart in 2021 and allegedly attempted to subvert the electoral transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election. Notably, both cases concluded after Trump was re-elected in November 2024.
Smith’s Defense of Prosecutions
In the transcript and video released from his prior closed-door testimony, Smith defended his prosecutorial actions, asserting confidence in the evidence available to support the charges against Trump. He firmly rejected allegations that his investigations were aimed at undermining Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and emphasized that the Biden administration had no involvement in his inquiries.
Smith remarked, “The evidence here made clear that President Trump was by a large measure the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy.” He further noted that the Capitol attack, integral to the election interference case, would not have occurred without Trump’s involvement, positioning the other co-conspirators’ actions as benefiting him.
Additionally, Smith disclosed that his team had evidence to potentially charge some of Trump’s co-conspirators in the election interference case, although he had yet to reach a final decision on this matter.
Legal Team’s Stance
Lanny Breuer, start of Smith’s attorneys, confirmed that Smith has been ready for months to address questions in a public forum about the investigations involving Trump. This call for public testimony comes after Jordan initially issued a subpoena for Smith’s private testimony.
Response from Committee Democrats
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the committee, welcomed the announcement of Smith’s public appearance. Raskin criticized the Republican strategy that had initially confined Smith’s testimony to a closed session, characterizing the shift to a public hearing as a triumph for truth-seekers and a setback for Trump and the GOP.
Conclusion
As Smith prepares for his public testimony, both sides of the political spectrum appear poised for a significant unveiling of insights into his investigations. This upcoming hearing is expected to shed further light on the controversial actions taken during start of the most scrutinized administrations in recent American history.