Episodios

  • # GOP Escalates Attack on Trump Prosecutor as Classified Documents Report Faces Suppression Battle

    # GOP Escalates Attack on Trump Prosecutor as Classified Documents Report Faces Suppression Battle
    Feb 21 2026
    Senate Republicans have intensified their oversight probe into former Special Counsel Jack Smith, focusing on his investigative tactics during probes into Donald Trump, while legal fights rage over the fate of Smith's detailed report on Trump's handling of classified documents.[2][3] In hearings launched February 10 under the "Arctic Frost Accountability" banner, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley accused Smith's team of overreaching by secretly obtaining phone toll records from telecom giants like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile linked to 20 current or former GOP lawmakers.[2] Republicans claim this violated the Constitution's Speech or Debate Clause, which protects congressional speech from executive interference, pulling major companies into a heated partisan clash.[2]

    Smith pushed back forcefully in congressional testimony, insisting the subpoenas targeted only call metadata—numbers dialed, dates, and durations—not conversation content, and were approved by judges with nondisclosure orders to preserve the investigations' integrity.[2] These probes stemmed from Smith's 2022 appointment to handle sensitive Trump matters, including January 6 election interference and classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, where evidence included surveillance footage of boxes moved amid return demands, employee testimony on concealment, and Trump showing secrets to unauthorized individuals.[1][2] A federal judge dismissed the election case without prejudice in 2025 upon Trump's second-term inauguration, aligning with DOJ policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, though Smith maintained trial-ready evidence existed.[2]

    Tensions peaked over Smith's report, which he testified contains "irrefutable" proof of Trump's willful retention of classified materials post-presidency and efforts to overturn 2020 results despite fraud claims being debunked by aides.[1][3] Trump and co-defendants recently urged Judge Aileen Cannon to permanently destroy or block its release, prompting American Oversight and the Knight First Amendment Institute to warn the DOJ and National Archives that such action violates the Federal Records Act, as the document belongs to the public.[3] They filed motions to intervene and a mandamus petition with the Eleventh Circuit to halt proceedings amid appeals, citing Cannon's December 2025 gag order extension as undue delay.[3] Smith, testifying eight hours before the House Judiciary Committee, revealed "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" on election subversion and "powerful evidence" on documents, but the order barred public details.[3]

    Grassley vows more hearings for transparency, as Democrats defend the subpoenas as lawful in criminal probes.[2] Listeners should watch this space: with Trump's term ticking and evidentiary barriers temporary, the report's survival could reignite accountability debates.[1][3] (Word count: 428)

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  • Headline: Former Prosecutor Turned Congressional Candidate Accuses Trump DOJ of Firing Him for Role in Probes

    Headline: Former Prosecutor Turned Congressional Candidate Accuses Trump DOJ of Firing Him for Role in Probes
    Feb 17 2026
    J.P. Cooney, former principal deputy to Special Counsel Jack Smith in the prosecutions against President Donald Trump, announced his Democratic bid for U.S. House in Virginia's proposed 7th District on February 11, 2026, claiming he was fired by Trump's Department of Justice for his role in those cases.[1] Smith praised Cooney as a man of integrity committed to the rule of law, according to reports.[1]

    In related developments, Trump waived his right to appear at arraignment in his federal election interference case and authorized a not guilty plea, following a superseding indictment unsealed last week by Smith's team.[2] The updated charges maintain the original counts of conspiracy and obstruction tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election but excise references to Trump's official presidential acts, complying with the Supreme Court's immunity ruling.[2] A court conference is set for Thursday, with no arraignment date yet.[2]

    Tensions escalated as Republican lawmakers grilled telecom executives on February 10 over subpoenas from Smith's probe that accessed phone records of 20 current or former GOP members of Congress, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who called it an outrage.[3] The records captured call times but not content, linked to Trump's January 6, 2021, outreach to delay election certification.[3] Company lawyers defended compliance with legal demands, treating them routinely amid hundreds of thousands yearly, while Democrats dismissed GOP complaints given January 6 violence.[3] Smith previously justified the tactic in a December deposition, stating it would apply equally to Democratic senators if contacted by Trump.[3]

    Earlier, on January 22, Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee, facing Republican scrutiny over his Trump investigations, including claims of willful law-breaking by Trump and DOJ retribution concerns in Trump's second term.[1][5] Sen. Marsha Blackburn accused Smith of violating his oath by weaponizing justice against constitutional rights.[4]

    These events highlight ongoing clashes between Smith's lingering probes and Trump's allies, amid congressional bids and legal maneuvers shaping the political landscape. Listeners should watch for court updates and redistricting outcomes in Virginia that could affect Cooney's race.[1][2] (Word count: 348)

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  • Headline: Unflinching Testimony: Ex-Counsel Smith Defends Trump Prosecutions Before Congress

    Headline: Unflinching Testimony: Ex-Counsel Smith Defends Trump Prosecutions Before Congress
    Jan 31 2026
    Former special counsel Jack Smith recently delivered five hours of testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, staunchly defending his prosecutions of President Donald Trump for election interference and mishandling classified documents.[1][2][3] Smith laid out the evidence methodically, asserting that Trump "willfully broke the law" by orchestrating a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election results and prevent the peaceful transfer of power, as confirmed by grand juries in two districts.[1] He emphasized that Trump knew his fraud claims were false, not seeking honest answers but ways to cling to power, and illegally retained classified documents at Mar-a-Lago while obstructing justice to hide them.[1][2]

    Listeners might wonder if this testimony shifts the political landscape. Republicans on the committee branded Smith a partisan zealot, using the hearing to rally against what they see as a politicized Justice Department under prior leadership.[2] Democrats countered by highlighting Trump's alleged defiance of the rule of law, with Smith insisting his cases were pursued "without fear or favor" and that no one is above the law.[2] No dramatic missteps emerged from Smith—no viral clips of him faltering—marking it as a measured win for his credibility as a public servant.[2]

    Trump fired back fiercely on social media during the hearing, labeling Smith a "deranged animal" unfit to practice law and urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate him for "large-scale perjury," hinting at a "big price" for Smith and his mostly Republican witnesses.[1][2] Smith anticipated retaliation, stating administration officials would "do everything in their power" to prosecute him on Trump's orders, yet he vowed not to be intimidated.[1][2]

    The clash underscores deepening divides. Smith's testimony, available via C-SPAN, reinforces his narrative of Trump shattering legal norms since January 6, 2021, amid claims of presidential abuse and paramilitary unrest.[1][3] Critics question some of Smith's litigation tactics, like his push for a broad gag order on Trump, which courts narrowed to respect First Amendment bounds.[2] For now, the event cements Smith's role as a sober defender of accountability, even as Trump's base dismisses the cases as Democratic hoaxes.[1] With Trump in office, the rule of law hangs in balance, and Smith's words serve as a stark public record for listeners tracking this saga.[1][2] (Word count: 378)[1][2][3]

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  • Headline: Explosive Testimony: Ex-Special Counsel Smith Defends Probe into Trump's Capitol Assault and Classified Documents

    Headline: Explosive Testimony: Ex-Special Counsel Smith Defends Probe into Trump's Capitol Assault and Classified Documents
    Jan 27 2026
    Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before Congress on January 22, 2026, forcefully defending his investigations into Donald Trump's role in the January 6 Capitol attack and the mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.[1][3] Smith stated that evidence showed Trump "willfully broke the law," including engaging in a "criminal scheme to overturn the results and prevent the lawful transfer of power," and that he knew his election fraud claims were false while seeking ways to stay in power.[1][3] He emphasized Trump's illegal retention of classified documents and repeated obstruction attempts, insisting grand juries in two districts confirmed the charges beyond reasonable doubt.[1]

    Republicans on the House panel grilled Smith on technicalities, accusing him of weaponizing the Justice Department against Trump and probing his investigative tactics.[2][3] The hearing grew tense, with Jan. 6 Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone confronting lawmakers and nearly clashing physically with a defendant advocate; Stewart Rhodes, the Oath Keepers founder whose sentence Trump commuted, attended seeking "true transparency."[3] Democrats praised Smith as a sober public servant, while Rep. Joe Neguse called the proceedings "theater" to rewrite Jan. 6 history.[3]

    Trump, traveling in Europe, reacted furiously on Truth Social, labeling Smith a "deranged animal" guilty of "large scale perjury" and urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate him and his mostly Republican witnesses, demanding they pay a "big price."[1][2][3] Smith anticipated this, telling lawmakers he expects Trump's Justice Department to pursue charges against him "because they have been ordered to by the president."[1][3] Trump also tied the clash to broader vows of revenge against perceived enemies.[1]

    Listeners tuning in heard Smith warn that the rule of law is "not self-executing" and erodes without accountability, suggesting failure to hold Trump responsible risks future attacks.[3] While Trump's supporters view the probes as Democratic hoaxes, Smith's measured testimony puts the evidence on record amid Trump's return to power and open threats.[1] The exchange underscores deepening divides over Jan. 6 responsibility, with Trump positioning himself as avenger-in-chief.[2][3] (Word count: 348)

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  • Explosive Showdown: Ex-Special Counsel Jack Smith to Testify on Trump Probes Before GOP-Led House

    Explosive Showdown: Ex-Special Counsel Jack Smith to Testify on Trump Probes Before GOP-Led House
    Jan 20 2026
    Former special counsel Jack Smith is scheduled to testify publicly before the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee on January 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET, regarding his investigations into President Donald Trump.[1][2][4] This hearing, titled "Oversight of the Office of Special Counsel Jack Smith," follows Smith's closed-door deposition on December 17, 2025, where a transcript revealed his team's belief in "proof beyond reasonable doubt" of Trump's guilt in two major cases.[1][2]

    Smith's probes targeted Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results after losing to Joe Biden and his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago following his 2021 White House departure.[1][2] Both led to indictments in 2023, with Trump pleading not guilty, but the cases were dropped after his 2024 reelection due to Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.[1][2] In his private testimony, Smith rejected Republican claims of political bias, denying influence from Biden or Attorney General Merrick Garland, and stated his work aimed to uphold the law, not hinder Trump's 2024 bid.[1][2]

    House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan announced the public session late Monday, calling Smith a "tough witness" but vowing to expose what he sees as a broader effort to undermine Trump.[1][2] Jordan highlighted Smith's December remarks linking Trump directly to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where Smith said the violence "does not happen" without Trump, who "refused to stop it" and instead tweeted.[2][3] A PBS NewsHour livestream is set for the event, amplifying public scrutiny.[5]

    Trump has long maintained the investigations weaponized the Justice Department against him.[2] Smith's attorney, Lanny Breuer, affirmed his readiness for open testimony on the election interference and documents cases.[2] Republicans on the committee seek to probe Smith's operations and decisions, building on the released transcript that showed his firm defense of the prosecutions.[1][4]

    Listeners tuning in tomorrow may hear heated exchanges, as Jordan anticipates revealing facts about alleged anti-Trump motivations.[1][6] This development keeps the saga of Smith's tenure in the spotlight amid Trump's return to the presidency, with no new charges pending due to DOJ rules.[1][2] (Word count: 348)

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  • Headline: Showdown Looms as Jack Smith Prepares to Defend Trump Prosecutions on Capitol Hill

    Headline: Showdown Looms as Jack Smith Prepares to Defend Trump Prosecutions on Capitol Hill
    Jan 10 2026
    The latest developments around former special counsel Jack Smith and former President Donald Trump center on an impending public clash on Capitol Hill, with Smith preparing to defend his now-defunct prosecutions as Trump’s allies move to put him on trial in the court of public opinion.[1][2]

    House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan has announced he will invite Jack Smith to appear in an open hearing as early as this month, after months of pressure from Smith’s legal team for a public forum.[1][4][5] Smith already testified behind closed doors for roughly eight to nine hours in December, answering detailed questions about his two federal cases against Trump.[1][2][3] That earlier deposition transcript and accompanying video have now been released, setting the stage for a much more visible confrontation when cameras are rolling.[1][2][3][4]

    Smith led the Justice Department investigations that produced more than 40 federal charges against Trump, focused on alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and on the retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago after Trump left office.[2][3] Smith has maintained under oath that he had enough evidence to prove those charges beyond a reasonable doubt and that his work was not coordinated with the Biden White House nor aimed at sabotaging Trump’s 2024 campaign.[2] However, all federal charges were dropped after Trump won a second presidential term in November 2024, a consequence of Justice Department policy and Trump’s renewed control of the executive branch.[1][2]

    Republicans on the Judiciary Committee are using the upcoming hearing to press their claim that Smith’s prosecutions were politically motivated, criticizing investigative steps such as obtaining phone records of sitting GOP lawmakers.[2][4] Jordan has highlighted one exchange from Smith’s deposition in which Smith acknowledged he had no direct evidence that Trump explicitly ordered rioters to attack the Capitol on January 6, a point Republicans argue undercuts the original narrative around the cases.[1][4] Smith, however, has emphasized that his evidence shows Trump was “by a large measure the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy,” arguing that the January 6 attack “does not happen without him.”[2][3]

    Democrats on the committee, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, are welcoming Smith’s public appearance, predicting that his detailed explanations will further damage Trump and expose what they describe as a pattern of disinformation by the Trump administration and its allies.[1][2] Smith’s lawyer has said the former special counsel is “ready and willing” to answer questions in public about Trump’s alleged unlawful efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, signaling that listeners should expect a forceful, televised defense of his work in the weeks ahead.[2][3]

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  • Headline: Special Counsel Shares Insights on January 6 Probe Cooperation

    Headline: Special Counsel Shares Insights on January 6 Probe Cooperation
    Jan 6 2026
    Former Special Counsel Jack Smith recently detailed his office's communications and cooperation with the House January 6 Committee during testimony from last month, as highlighted in a Forbes breaking news segment aired on January 6, 2026[1]. Smith addressed questions about strategies for prosecuting cases involving Donald Trump, firmly stating there were no direct consultations with the committee on those tactics[1]. He emphasized full transparency, noting that his team disclosed all materials received from the January 6 investigation to Trump's defense counsel[1].

    In the testimony, Smith recounted adjustments made around the Christmas holidays to accommodate Trump's legal team's preferences regarding conditions for reviewing evidence, following a letter of complaint from the defense[1]. This came after Trump's federal cases were dismissed in November, yet the committee continued reviewing Smith's final report to refine their positions[1]. Smith affirmed that every piece of information provided by the committee was promptly shared with the defense, underscoring a commitment to due process[1].

    Listeners may recall Smith's role in probing Trump's handling of classified documents and efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. He described coordinating with the FBI to streamline Trump's review of classified materials at a secure facility in Miami, making the process more convenient[1]. This collaboration aimed to facilitate defense access without compromising security[1].

    The testimony sheds light on the behind-the-scenes interplay between federal probes and congressional inquiries amid ongoing political tensions. While Trump's cases were dropped, the disclosures reveal persistent scrutiny through committee work and Smith's final report[1]. Legal observers note this could influence future accountability efforts or defenses in related matters. As of early 2026, no new indictments have emerged, but Smith's account reinforces patterns of cooperation across investigations targeting the former president[1].

    This development keeps the saga in the spotlight, blending prosecutorial rigor with bipartisan oversight. Listeners following the Trump legal battles will find Smith's measured responses a key window into resolved yet resonant disputes[1]. (Word count: 312)

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  • Explosive Revelations: Former Special Counsel Jack Smith Defends Prosecutions Against Trump in Newly Released Testimony

    Explosive Revelations: Former Special Counsel Jack Smith Defends Prosecutions Against Trump in Newly Released Testimony
    Jan 3 2026
    The House Judiciary Committee recently released a transcript and video of former special counsel Jack Smith's closed-door deposition from December, where he vigorously defended his prosecutions against President Donald Trump.[1] Smith, who led investigations into Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, resigned in late 2024 after Trump's reelection led to the cases being dropped.[1]

    In the nearly 300-page transcript and accompanying video, made public on New Year's Eve, Smith described Trump as "by a large measure, the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy," insisting the January 6 Capitol attack would not have occurred without him.[1] He rejected accusations of political bias, stating, "I entirely disagree with any characterization that our work was in any way meant to hamper him in the presidential election."[1] Smith expressed confidence that his election interference case, built partly on testimony from Republicans who prioritized country over party, would have resulted in a conviction.[1]

    The deposition, conducted by the Republican-led House Oversight and Judiciary Committees, probed Smith's tactics, including his team's collection of Senate phone records—limited to timestamps of calls between lawmakers and Trump aides around January 6, not contents.[1] Smith attributed the calls to Trump's directions, noting, "Donald Trump directed his co-conspirators to call these people to further delay the proceedings."[1] While phone toll records are a standard investigative tool, the move sparked debates over Justice Department overreach against members of Congress.[1]

    Smith was more reserved on the classified documents probe, citing a federal judge's order barring further disclosure, though he indicated willingness to share more if allowed.[1] CNN covered the release on January 3, 2026, featuring analysis from former U.S. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Tom Dupree and justice correspondent Evan Perez, framing it as insights into the "failed prosecutions."[2]

    This development reignites scrutiny of Smith's tenure amid Trump's return to the White House, highlighting enduring partisan divides over the investigations' legitimacy. Listeners tuning in will find Smith's unfiltered remarks a rare window into the behind-the-scenes battles that defined these high-stakes cases.[1][2]

    (Word count: 348)

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