Jack Smith to testify on Trump indictment while he may face presidential retribution

Former special counsel Jack Smith will give public testimony on Thursday about investigations that produced charges tied to the 2020 election and retained classified documents; Smith previously testified in a closed-door session in December.

Former special counsel Jack Smith will speak publicly on Thursday about the investigations that led to charges related to the 2020 election and the retention of classified documents. Smith was appointed by the Justice Department to lead two pre-existing investigations after Donald Trump declared his 2024 candidacy. He previously testified behind closed doors to the House Judiciary Committee in December, and a redacted transcript from that session is available. Parts of the classified-documents work remain the subject of ongoing court disputes over whether related reports can be made public. Key facts: - Jack Smith will give public testimony on Thursday about his team's investigations. - Smith led DOJ efforts that produced indictments alleging a scheme to overturn the 2020 election and charges tied to retained classified documents. - He testified privately to the House Judiciary Committee in December; a redacted transcript exists. - There is an ongoing legal dispute over the release of the classified-documents report. - President Trump has publicly criticized Smith and has issued pardons or commutations for many connected to the Jan. 6 prosecutions. - Smith is reported to be under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel. Summary: Smith's public testimony will present his account of the investigations that led to indictments related to the 2020 election and classified documents. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, and related legal and procedural disputes over classified-documents materials remain active.