Former special counsel Jack Smith, known for leading federal criminal cases against President Donald Trump, faced a rigorous closed-door deposition with the House Judiciary Committee today. In a session marked by secrecy and high stakes, Smith stood by his decision to charge the former president, citing actions that allegedly breached national security and attempted to overturn the 2020 election results.

In his detailed opening statement, Smith emphasized that the charges against Trump were driven by evidence and legal necessity, not political bias. “The decision to bring charges was mine alone, based on the grand jury indictments from two different districts,” Smith asserted, reinforcing that his actions were rooted in law, not partisanship.

The former prosecutor outlined his team's findings, which he claimed could prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to subvert the presidential election results and obstruct the lawful transfer of power. He also highlighted the discovery of "powerful evidence" in the case concerning mishandled classified documents, where Trump allegedly tried repeatedly to obstruct justice.

Addressing accusations of a partisan witch hunt, Smith told committee members, “I would have pursued the same course whether the subject was a Democrat or a Republican.” This statement comes amid growing tension, as GOP members have intensified their scrutiny following revelations that Smith's team had secretly obtained phone records of several Republican senators during the investigation.

Smith defended his decision to access lawmakers’ phone data, explaining that it was essential for understanding how Trump and his associates might have used calls to Congress members to further their alleged criminal activities.

The atmosphere outside the deposition room reflected the controversy surrounding the proceedings, with onlookers shouting and expressing mixed sentiments about Smith's role and decisions. Despite not responding to reporters' questions directly, Smith's legal representation praised his integrity and commitment to justice.

Lanny Breuer, one of Smith’s attorneys from Covington & Burling, expressed strong support for his client. “Jack is testifying with tremendous courage, facing unprecedented retribution by this administration,” Breuer stated, highlighting the political and legal pressures Smith has endured.

Inside the deposition room, the mood was reportedly mixed, with some lawmakers like Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) labeling the interview as “boring,” while others appeared deeply engaged in the gravity of the testimony. Notably, the deposition was strictly members-only, denying Smith's request for a public hearing to openly discuss the investigations he led.

This closed-door deposition underscores the ongoing political and legal battles stemming from the Trump administration's controversies, with both sides continuing to grapple over the implications of Smith's findings and actions.