Congress releases Jack Smith's testimony about Trump prosecutions

December 31, 2025

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee, defending his investigations into Donald Trump for retaining classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. In the 255-page transcript released on New Year's Eve, Smith asserted that he had developed proof beyond reasonable doubt of Trump's criminal conduct, including willfully retaining classified materials at his social club and obstructing justice. Smith expressed concern that Trump seeks retribution against him and others involved in the prosecutions, noting that he and his staff were fired after Trump returned to office.

Who is affected

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith and his staff (fired by Trump administration)
Donald Trump (subject of the investigations)
Over 1,500 Capitol riot defendants (pardoned by Trump)
Republican members of Congress whose call records were requested
Officials who criminally charged Trump (subject to Trump's demands for investigations)
President Joe Biden (under whose administration the investigations were launched)

What action is being taken

Trump is demanding investigations of officials who criminally charged him
The House Judiciary Committee has released Smith's deposition transcript and video
Trump has pardoned over 1,500 Capitol riot defendants after taking office

Why it matters

This testimony represents a rare public defense by a special counsel of prosecutorial decisions against a former and current president, highlighting the unprecedented nature of criminal investigations into a U.S. president. The release underscores tensions between prosecutorial independence and political retribution, particularly as Trump has returned to office and fired Smith and his team. Smith's concerns about retribution against justice department officials raise significant questions about the rule of law and whether investigations can be conducted without fear of political reprisal.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC