BREAKING: Former special counsel Jack Smith has officially stated that the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, which resulted in five deaths and left 174 police officers wounded, “does not happen” without the influence of Donald Trump. This urgent declaration came during a private deposition before the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee on December 17, 2022, where Smith faced intense scrutiny regarding his indictments against Trump.
The committee has now released the transcript and video of Smith’s testimony, shedding light on his assertion that Trump was the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Smith emphasized, “The attack that happened at the Capitol… does not happen without him,” directly linking Trump to the actions of co-conspirators who acted in his favor.
These revelations come in the wake of Trump’s second impeachment in 2021 for inciting the insurrection, which involved a violent mob attacking the Capitol to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden‘s victory. Smith firmly rejected any notion that his investigation was politically motivated, asserting, “I entirely disagree with any characterization that our work was in any way meant to hamper him in the presidential election.”
Trump’s actions leading to January 6, including inciting false claims of election fraud, have been extensively documented. Notably, Smith pointed out that the evidence for the January 6 case is bolstered by testimonies from Trump’s own allies, who chose to prioritize their allegiance to the country over party loyalty. “We had an elector in Pennsylvania who said that what they were trying to do was an attempt to overthrow the government and illegal,” Smith reported.
As the investigation unfolds, Smith noted that Trump’s refusal to act during the Capitol riot was particularly alarming. “He made false statements to state legislatures… and was aware in the days leading up to January 6 that his supporters were angry when he invited them and then he directed them to the Capitol,” Smith stated.
Smith’s testimony has ignited discussions across the political spectrum, with many calling for accountability and clarity regarding Trump’s role in the insurrection. The implications of this testimony extend beyond immediate political repercussions, resonating deeply with the ongoing national discourse about democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.
With Trump’s legal challenges continuing to mount, including indictments related to his attempts to overturn the election and classified documents retention, the situation remains fluid. Smith’s comments reiterate the significant weight of the evidence against Trump, including the cooperation of key witnesses who were once loyal supporters.
As the nation reflects on the events of January 6 and their aftermath, the pressure on lawmakers to address these issues grows. The next steps in this unfolding saga will be closely watched, as they may redefine the landscape of American politics leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the consequences of Smith’s testimony unfold in real time.
