Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee following a subpoena, as part of an investigation into his probes of former President Donald Trump. The deposition focused on alleged weaponization of the Justice Department, Trump's 2020 election interference, and the retention of classified documents. Smith defended his actions, stating they were not politically motivated and were based on evidence.
by GEOFF HARRIS | The National News DeskFormer Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives under subpoena for a House Judiciary Committee deposition as part of its oversight into DOJ investigations into President Donald Trump , on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec.
17, 2025. for a closed-door deposition. Smith answered questions from the House Judiciary Committee, following a subpoena from Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, requesting he appear as part of its investigation into his alleged "weaponization" of the Justice Department. He will definitely be under oath. Obligated to tell the truth. he can assert privileges but yes, he will be under oath and we will be asking him questions," Rep. Jordan told Fox News shortly after issuing that subpoena earlier this month. The deposition comes as part of renewed Republican efforts to investigate Smith's criminal cases brought against President Trump, claiming they were politically motivated. One involving the 2020 election interference, commonly known as the "Arctic Frost" probe. Plus, the alleged retention of classified documents. But Smith defended his actions on Wednesday, saying politics didn't play a factor. "I made my decisions in the investigation without regard to President Trump’s political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 election," Smith told lawmakers in his opening statement, obtained by the Associated Press. Smith added that his team of investigators “developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that Trump criminally conspired to overturn the election and had "powerful evidence" he broke the law by hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The decision to bring charges against President Trump was mine, but the basis for those charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions," Smith said. Former Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith, left, and his attorney Lanny Breuer arrive for a closed-door interview with House Republicans at Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. Prior to the deposition, Smith had repeatedly offered to testify publicly. An offer, his lawyers said, was rejected by Republicans. "Chairman Jordan made an excellent decision in not allowing Jack Smith to testify publicly because had he done so it would have been absolutely devastating to the president," said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md. "This is a very coordinated effort of lawfare to try and jail their political opponent and deny the American people their ability to vote for a candidate that actually won. Jack Smith is a total dirtbag," Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., told Fox News. The deposition also comes shortly after the discovery that Smith's team had subpoenaed the metadata of several Republican lawmakers, including over half a dozen senators, in connection to the Arctic Frost probe. Plus, just a day after the release of declassified emails from Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, indicating that some FBI officials believed they lacked probable cause to raid Mar-a-Lago in 2022. I think what Jack Smith did was unprecedented. Going into the home of a former President, refusing to let the President speak up. Remember, they had a gag order. They limited what Trump could say," Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, told Fox & Friends Wednesday.Following Wednesday's deposition, Smith could potentially testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. A hearing that some lawmakers have said they are interested in holding.A Weber County elementary school fifth-grade teacher died from injuries she suffered in a crash while driving home from school.Liandra Jean Dittmore, 41, was crA Utah coin collector said more than 100 silver dollars are gone - some from the 1800s - after he packed them in a checked bag at Salt Lake International AirporA Lehi organization set out to give away thousands of toys for free, drawing hundreds of families and causing traffic backups along several southern Lehi roadsGrantsville Mayor Neil Critchlow said he would publicly apologize at Wednesday’s City Council meeting after comments he made during a Planning Commission meetinAustin Beckwith was reported missing again.Austin,29, is nonverbal and autistic. He went missing on Nov. 17 and was found a few days ago, but according to his
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