Jack Smith Warns Americans: Don’t Take Rule of Law for Granted
Former special counsel Jack Smith is set to caution Americans against taking the rule of law for granted during his upcoming testimony before Congress. This marks his debut public appearance regarding the investigations into former President Donald Trump. Smith believes that the complacency surrounding the rule of law could undermine its foundational principles.
Key Messages from Jack Smith
In his prepared remarks, Smith emphasizes several critical points:
- The rule of law is not self-executing.
- A collective commitment is required to uphold the law.
- Dedicated service, especially in challenging times, is essential.
- The costs associated with such service define our commitment to democracy.
Investigations into Donald Trump
Smith’s investigation into Trump has reportedly unearthed substantial evidence that points to criminal activities aimed at overturning the 2020 election. This includes the events leading to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Trump, however, has refuted these allegations, claiming the investigations are politically motivated “witch hunts.”
Congressional Hearings
The House Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, a close ally of Trump, is currently scrutinizing Smith and his former office. The investigation centers on:
- Trump’s handling of classified documents.
- Efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Recently, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case, deeming Smith’s appointment illegal. Additionally, Smith withdrew the election case after Trump secured re-election in 2024 due to Justice Department policies concerning prosecuting sitting presidents.
First Amendment Rights and Falsehoods
During a closed-door deposit before Congress, Smith clarified Trump’s rights regarding free speech. According to Smith, while Trump could express his beliefs about the election outcome, he could not use false statements to manipulate the government.
Smith stated, “He was free to say falsely that he won the election. But what he was not free to do was violate federal law.” His report concludes that Trump incited his supporters to commit acts of violence on January 6.
Support from Colleagues
Colleagues of Smith expressed their confidence in his abilities to handle the pressure of the congressional hearings. Karen Friedman Agnifilo mentioned that Smith, “is pretty unflappable” and well-prepared for the high-stakes environment. Michael Beys praised his unwavering commitment to truth and respect for the law.
Retelling of January 6 Events
In his testimony, Smith will reiterate the severity of the January 6 incident, highlighting that over 140 law enforcement officers were injured during the riot. He argues that Trump’s actions before and during the riot constituted a criminal attempt to obstruct the certification of the presidential election. Smith will outline that Trump sought to:
- Induce state officials to disregard accurate vote counts.
- Manufacture fraudulent presidential electors in seven states.
- Pressure his Vice President to act against his oath.
- Incite a mob to disrupt Congress’s certification of the election.
Conclusion
As Smith prepares for his testimony, the eyes of the nation remain on this vital moment in American history. His warnings about taking the rule of law for granted are more relevant than ever.
