UPDATE: Former special counsel Jack Smith delivered a powerful message to Congress, asserting that the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without Donald Trump. This urgent revelation comes as new transcripts from a private deposition on December 17, 2022, have just been made public, intensifying scrutiny on Trump’s actions leading to the deadly insurrection that resulted in five deaths and wounded 174 police officers.
Smith, during his testimony, emphasized that Trump was the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the criminal conspiracy to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. He firmly stated, “The attack that happened at the Capitol… does not happen without him. The other co-conspirators were doing this for his benefit.” This shocking assertion challenges ongoing narratives surrounding the events of that day.
The House Judiciary Committee questioned Smith about his indictments against Trump, insinuating political motivations behind his actions. However, Smith refuted these claims, clarifying, “I entirely disagree with any characterization that our work was in any way meant to hamper him in the presidential election.” His statements underscore the serious implications of Trump’s influence on the Capitol riot and the wider political landscape.
As the investigation deepens, it has been revealed that Trump granted blanket clemency on his first day in office in 2025 to nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the Capitol attack. Many of these individuals had been convicted of serious offenses, including assaulting law enforcement officers. Smith highlighted the significance of testimonies from Trump allies who cooperated with the investigation, stating, “Our case was built on… Republicans who put their allegiance to the country before the party.”
Smith’s investigation has gathered evidence indicating that Trump not only incited the riot but also failed to act during the violence. He noted that Trump encouraged false claims of election fraud leading up to January 6, which incited his supporters. “He made false statements to state legislatures… and was aware in the days leading up to January 6th that his supporters were angry when he invited them,” Smith explained.
The implications of Smith’s testimony are enormous, raising questions about the accountability of a former president in a democracy. As Trump continues to promote distorted narratives about the 2020 election, the fallout from the January 6 events remains a critical issue for American politics.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on the legal ramifications of Smith’s findings and the potential for further action against Trump as he seeks to reclaim the presidency in 2024. This developing story is sure to shape the political landscape in the months ahead, and the implications of these revelations will resonate far beyond the halls of Congress.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this evolving situation as more information becomes available.
