DEER FRIENDS
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified publicly for the first time on his investigations into President Trump before the House Judiciary Committee. In this second portion, Smith defended his investigations amid allegations from Republicans that he spied on their phone records and accusations that he was acting politically on behalf of Democrats. Smith also affirmed his findings that Trump knew the 2020 election wasn't fraudulent but made claims anyway that it was in order to stay in power. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith to oversee preexisting Justice Department investigations into Trump's role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack and alleged mishandling of classified documents. After Trump won the 2024 election, Smith dismissed both cases "without prejudice," meaning charges could be refiled after Trump leaves office. In August 2025, the Trump administration announced an investigation into Smith, alleging his investigations were politically motivated.