started · updated
Jack Smith defends Trump investigations before Senate Judiciary Committee FAST-MOVING
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, defending his criminal investigations into President Donald Trump. Smith maintained that his decisions to bring charges regarding the 2020 election and the handling of classified documents were based strictly on law and evidence, rather than political affiliation. He stated, “I made these decisions without regard to President Trump’s political association, activities, beliefs, or candidacy.”
Republican senators, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley, scrutinized Smith for what they characterized as an abuse of authority and the weaponization of the Justice Department. Key points of contention included Smith’s office obtaining telephone and communication records from Republican members of Congress and various media organizations, including CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Post. Senator John Kennedy engaged in a heated exchange with Smith, questioning his constitutional law background and his handling of non-disclosure orders.
Additionally, documents released by the Oversight Project suggest that Smith’s office bypassed standard purchasing rules to acquire forensic video software shortly before indicting Trump. Smith concluded his testimony by asserting that he would not be silenced by threats of prosecution from the current administration.
Entities
Axon Enterprises · Chuck Grassley · Department of Justice · Donald Trump · Jack Smith · Senate Judiciary Committee
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Senator Chuck Grassley accused Jack Smith of abusing his authority and targeting Republicans. yournews.com · srnnews.com · time.news · thefederalist.com · www.nbcnews.com · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Jack Smith testified that his decisions to charge Donald Trump were made without regard to his political association or candidacy. thepulseofnh.com · time.news · www.troyrecord.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · thevaultznews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Smith's investigations involved the collection of telephone and communication records from Republican members of Congress. yournews.com · www.troyrecord.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Justice Department records show Smith's office bypassed purchasing rules to acquire forensic video software shortly before indicting Trump. www.breitbart.com · freerepublic.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Jack Smith stated he will not be silenced by threats of prosecution from the Trump administration. srnnews.com · www.troyrecord.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · thevaultznews.com · www.devdiscourse.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Smith's office obtained communications from more than a dozen media organizations, including CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Post. thefederalist.com