UPDATE: Former special counsel Jack Smith has just confirmed that the violent January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without Donald Trump. This urgent revelation came during a private deposition with the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, which took place on December 17. The committee has now released the transcript and video of this significant testimony.
Smith’s testimony highlights Trump as the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the criminal conspiracy to overturn Joe Biden‘s 2020 election victory. “The attack that happened at the Capitol, part of this case, does not happen without him,” Smith asserted, underscoring the gravity of Trump’s role in the events leading to the insurrection.
The riot resulted in five deaths and left 174 police officers injured, making the stakes of this investigation alarmingly high. Smith emphasized that Trump’s actions were for his benefit, directly linking Trump to the violence that unfolded. “These crimes were committed for his benefit,” he stated, directly dismissing claims that the investigation was politically motivated.
Despite facing his second impeachment for inciting the insurrection, Trump and his allies have attempted to distort the narrative surrounding January 6. They have insisted, against substantial evidence, that the rioters acted peacefully in their attempt to overturn the election results.
In a shocking move, on his first day back in office in 2025, Trump granted blanket clemency to nearly 1,600 individuals convicted or awaiting trial for offenses related to the January 6 attack. Many of those pardoned had been charged with serious crimes, including assaulting law enforcement officers.
Smith’s investigation has revealed that crucial evidence against Trump came from his own allies. “We had an elector in Pennsylvania who is a former congressman, who said that what they were trying to do was an attempt to overthrow the government and illegal,” he noted. This testimony from Republicans who prioritized their allegiance to the country over party loyalty has created what Smith described as the “most powerful” evidence against Trump.
When discussing the Capitol riot, Smith stated that Trump “caused it and that he exploited it.” He elaborated that leading up to January 6, Trump incited false beliefs about election fraud, urging supporters to march to the Capitol. “He made false statements to state legislatures and to his supporters in all sorts of contexts,” Smith exposed.
Smith also highlighted Trump’s inaction during the riot, noting that he needed to be pushed by his staff to address the violence. “He issued a tweet that without question in my mind endangered the life of his own vice president,” Smith remarked, revealing the chaos of that day.
As the fallout from these revelations continues, all eyes are now on the implications for Trump’s political future as he gears up for the 2024 election. The strength of Smith’s case against Trump, bolstered by the testimony of former allies, raises critical questions about accountability and the integrity of American democracy.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
