The US Congress has released the full transcript of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s closed-door testimony, in which he detailed his rationale for leading two federal criminal investigations into Donald Trump—cases that were terminated after the former president returned to office.
The 255-page document, released by the House Judiciary Committee on New Year’s Eve, shows lawmakers questioning Smith and the prosecutor offering a robust defense of his work.
He justified pursuing charges against Trump for allegedly illegally retaining classified documents after leaving the White House and for efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases. The prosecutions were formally closed following his re-election last November.
Since resuming the presidency, Trump has repeatedly called for investigations and retribution against officials—including Smith and prosecutors in state cases—who brought criminal charges against him.
By James Kisoo
