Jack Smith to Give Private Testimony Before House Judiciary Committee in Mid-December

House Judiciary Committee Republican Chair Jim Jordan announced that he has issued a subpoena for former Special Counsel Jack Smith to provide private testimony before the committee in mid-December. This move comes after Smith repeatedly expressed his willingness to testify publicly regarding his investigations and legal cases involving former President Donald Trump.

In a letter to Smith, shared on X by Jordan on Wednesday, the congressman requested both Smiths testimony and related documents. Jordan emphasized that the committee is continuing its inquiry into the former special counsel, specifically focusing on "your teams prosecution of President Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants."

Jack Smiths attorney, Peter Koski, told CNN that Smith looks forward to meeting with the committee later this month to discuss his work and clarify the various misconceptions about his investigation. The letter from the committee requests a closed-door deposition rather than the public hearing Smith had previously offered. Koski noted, Nearly six weeks ago Jack offered to voluntarily appear before the House Judiciary Committee in an open hearing. We are disappointed that offer was rejected, and that the American people will be denied the opportunity to hear directly from Jack on these topics.

Republican lawmakers, including members of the Senate, have increased their scrutiny of Smith in recent months, highlighting the legal subpoenas issued for certain lawmakers phone records related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol events.

Smith has consistently stated his readiness to testify publicly about his investigations and cases involving Trump. Democratic committee member Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized Jordan for rejecting Smiths offer for an open hearing. Raskin stated that Jordans action forces Smith to attend a private session simply so Republicans can spin, distort, and cherry-pick his remarks through press leaks.

Raskin questioned, What are our colleagues so afraid of, that they wont let the American people hear directly from the Special Counsel?

Author: Olivia Parker