Jack Smith to Give Testimony on Trump, but GOP Won't Allow Public Disclosure

In a move raising eyebrows, House Republicans are keeping Jack Smiths testimony about former President Donald Trump behind closed doors, despite Trump suggesting he prefers a public hearing. On Wednesday, the GOP-controlled House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena to the former special counsel, requiring him to appear later this month in a private session to discuss his investigations into Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Smith had already offered to provide full testimony publicly, but the committee, led by Chair Jim Jordan, opted against a transparent session. This decision leaves uncertainty about whether Republicans and Trump share the same approach. When asked during a press briefing if he wanted Smith to testify publicly, Trump commented, I think Jack Smith is a sick man, theres something really wrong with him. Id rather see him testify publicly cause theres no way he can answer the questions, before digressing into unrelated complaints.

Smiths legal team previously pushed for a public hearing to address what they called many mischaracterizations of his investigations. Responding to the subpoena, they stated, Nearly six weeks ago Jack offered to voluntarily appear before the House Judiciary Committee in an open hearing to answer any questions lawmakers have about his investigation into President Trumps alleged efforts to unlawfully overturn the election results and retention of classified documents. 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.

Recent developments have heightened tensions, as some Republicans reacted angrily to reports that Smith had requested Senate Republicans phone records around the time of the January 6 attack, aiming to trace involvement in Trumps alleged election interference. While Trump faced four felony charges related to these efforts, they were dropped after his 2024 election victory. A provision in last months government funding bill now allows senators whose phone records were accessed to sue the Justice Department, with potential awards of $500,000 per violation.

Author: Noah Whitman