January 14, 2026, 5:48 p.mJanuary 14, 2026, 5:59 p.m
Jack Smith will be publicly questioned by a US Congressional committee on January 22nd. The special counsel appointed by the Biden administration not only investigated Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the lost 2020 election, but also his handling of secret documents that he stored at Mar-a-Lago.
In both cases there were charges, and in both cases Donald Trump pleaded “not guilty”. At the same time, he accused the Biden administration of exploiting the judiciary for political purposes. He also questioned the legality of the special investigator Smith appointed.
Jack Smith before his closed-door hearing in December.Image: keystone
After Donald Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 US presidential election, investigations into voter fraud were closed. According to the Justice Department’s statutes, the prosecution of a president while in office is not permitted.
The case of improper storage of secret documents came to an end earlier. Somewhat surprisingly, US District Judge Aileen Cannon (Republican Party, appointed by Donald Trump) ruled that Smith’s enlistment was not in accordance with the law. It’s not just because of this case that Cannon is criticized for dancing to Trump’s tune. Cannon’s ruling prohibited Smith and others involved in the case from discussing the contents of their investigation.
Trump’s secret documents, which he stored in a bathroom at his private club Mar-a-Lago. image: Wikimedia
Smith adhered to that ruling when he was subpoenaed by a Republican-led Judiciary Committee in December. The questioning was not about new findings in the Trump cases, but rather about proving that he had political motives in his work. The conversation lasted eight hours and took place behind closed doors. However, the transcripts are accessible.
Smith revealed thisthat Donald Trump took various calls during the riots on January 6th – including various calls from politically like-minded people. Nevertheless, the president decided not to take any active measures against the riots – even though the failure to do so also put the vice president’s life in danger. Smith further stated, “Our investigation has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election and prevent the lawful transfer of power.” (page 17)
Security personnel with drawn weapons protect MPs from illegally entered demonstrators at the US Capitol in Washington, 2021.Image: keystone
Even without insight into Smith’s investigation, it appears to be proven that the January 6 demonstration in Washington that ended with the storming of the Capitol was supported with money from Trump’s donation pot. Various former Trump employees claim to have provided funds in the range of over three million dollars for this purpose.
Democrats will also have the opportunity to ask questions at Smith’s public hearing next Thursday. Unlike the Republicans, they will focus not on Smith’s motives but on his insights. The Republican Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan, invited to the public hearing.
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