Former special counsel Jack Smith is scheduled to testify publicly before Congress on January 22, promising an engaging session that will revisit his investigation into former President Donald Trump. The testimony is part of a broader congressional inquiry into Trump's actions surrounding the 2020 election.

House Judiciary Committee Chair, Jim Jordan, confirmed the upcoming public hearing, which follows Smith's eight-hour closed-door testimony in December. During the private session, Smith discussed the intricacies of his investigation, the details of which were later shared through released transcripts.

Smith's legal team has advocated for this public appearance, a move that indicates a willingness to bring transparency to the proceedings. On Friday, Jordan expressed to POLITICO his intentions to facilitate this public dialogue, marking a significant step in the ongoing probe.

The public format of the hearing is expected to draw sharp contrasts between Republican and Democratic interpretations of Smith's findings. Republicans have often criticized the investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt," while Democrats see it as a necessary examination of serious allegations against Trump, including efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and mishandling classified documents.

In his previous testimony, Smith defended the integrity and necessity of his investigation. He mentioned his eagerness to discuss the findings openly, although he noted that the Department of Justice had restricted full disclosure under a court order.

The upcoming session provides a platform for both parties to publicly scrutinize the details of Smith's investigation. It also offers Smith a chance to clarify and assert the motivations and conclusions of his work, potentially shaping public understanding of one of the most contentious periods in recent American political history. The testimony is poised to be a pivotal moment, shedding light on the intricate balance between justice, political interests, and public transparency.