Jack Smith's lawyers ask Jordan for open hearing after closed-door testimony

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Politico

12/19/2025 05:45 AM EST


After appearing in a closed-door deposition with the House Judiciary Committee earlier this week, Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led the criminal cases against President Donald Trump, still wants the chance to defend his work in a public hearing – and defend himself against continued Republican attacks. Attorneys for Smith are pressing for their client to be allowed to testify in an open forum in a new letter to House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, obtained first by POLITICO.

“[We] reiterate our request for an open and public hearing,” Smith’s lawyers, Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski, wrote to Jordan. “During the investigation of President Trump, Mr. Smith steadfastly followed Justice Department policies, observed all legal requirements, and took actions based on the facts and the law. He stands by his decisions.” Breuer and Koski also requested that the videotape of Smith’s testimony be released in full so that he can speak to the public directly “rather than through second-hand accounts.”

Smith’s deposition spanned more than eight hours Wednesday, as he spoke to House Judiciary members under oath and stood by his decisions to levy criminal charges against the then-former president for allegedly mishandling classified documents and attempting to subvert the results of the 2020 election.

According to portions of his statement shared with POLITICO, Smith argued the evidence in his office’s possession would have provided proof of the President’s criminal behavior “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/19/jack-smith-jim-jordan-trump-00699653

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. Jack Smith is a mensch.

[wiggs]

2. Seems to me he doesn't need to wait for an open congressional hearing...he can have a press conference any

time, any place?

Seems important to respond to PUBLIC gop smears and conspiracy theories. he's smart and knowledgable enough to avoid revealing classified or prohibited grand jury material.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. He would probably forestall doing that before "formally" requesting to do it through a Congressional hearing

given the lying GOP and Gymsuit/Comer suddenly "claiming" they would have allowed that, should he have gone and did it on his own.

Smart people have to consider every contingency and systematically follow a deliberate series of steps to thwart being manhandled by a punitive and revenge-seekling GOP DOJ.

[KS Toronado]

5. Best to get Gym Jordan on record denying his request

voters will be thinking ....WE DON'T WANT THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ANYTHING

[BaronChocula]

10. Yup

Like forcing votes on ACA subsidy extensions putting magas on the record with their unpopular positions.

[BumRushDaShow]

11. Exactly. Him and Comer!

[Trueblue Texan]

6. He probably prefers to do it under oath. Nt

[Grins]

4. Of course...

“(Jordan) said he has not ruled out allowing the Biden era special counsel to testify in an open forum.”

. Bet me!

It was DOA the second it was delivered.

[Buddyzbuddy]

7. Hey Jack, just come back in 2027.

You can have all of the time you need.

[groundloop]

8. Screw that, just call a press conference and lay out all the facts.

If we keep playing by repub rules (especially if Gym Jordan's running the show) that information will never see the light of day.

[BumRushDaShow]

12. Who is going to cover the "press conference"?

The RW loons and White House have co-opted most of them by threats and extortion.

The "press" has been completely compromised.

[Trueblue1968]

9. Smith ... Call a 3 hour press conference. 45 minutes media questions. Press conference!! Press conference !!!!!