Jack Smith Trump Testimony 2026: "No One is Above the Law"
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump during a 2026 House testimony, emphasizing that 'no one is above the law.'
He raised his hand to swear in, even as his cases were silenced. Jack Smith, the former Special Counsel, defended his prosecution of President Donald Trump on January 22, 2026, during a heated testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. According to Reuters, Smith rejected Republican claims of political bias, asserting his investigations were driven solely by evidence.
Jack Smith Trump Testimony: Defending Legal Accountability
Smith oversaw two major federal cases: the mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The former involved 31 counts under the Espionage Act. However, following Trump’s re-election in November 2024, the Department of Justice dropped all charges in accordance with long-standing policy regarding sitting presidents. Smith resigned shortly before the inauguration in January 2025.
We followed the facts and we followed the law. Where that led us was to an indictment of an unprecedented criminal scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power. No one should be above the law in this country.
Criticism of Mass Pardons and Institutional Threats
During the hearing, Smith didn't hold back on Trump’s recent decision to grant mass pardons to those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Over 140 officers were injured during the riot. Smith called the move incomprehensible, stating that failing to hold people accountable for assaulting police sends a dangerous message to society.
Republicans, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, portrayed Smith as an overreaching prosecutor. Meanwhile, Trump responded in real-time on Truth Social, calling Smith a 'deranged animal' and labeling the probes a 'Democrat SCAM.' Smith defended his actions, noting that some of his most powerful witnesses were actually fellow Republicans who had campaigned for Trump.
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