Jack Smith Wants to Go Public

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith has agreed to testify before the House Judiciary Committee – but only if the hearing is open to the public. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (OH-4) and Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (IA) want answers for how Smith handled his investigation into President Donald Trump and the 2020 presidential election results, including requesting phone records of almost a dozen Republican Members of Congress.

As reported by The Hill:

Former special counsel Jack Smith is asking that he be allowed to appear publicly after House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) demanded his testimony.

“Given the many mischaracterizations of Mr. Smith’s investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Mr. Smith respectfully requests the opportunity to testify in open hearings before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees,” his attorneys wrote in a letter to Jordan . . . .

Smith’s effort to appear publicly would require the blessing of the Justice Department, with his attorneys saying he would need guidance so he doesn’t violate any rules regarding grand jury secrecy. He would also likely be asked to answer questions about the Mar-a-Lago investigation. The special counsel’s final report on that case has not been released.

“He is prepared to answer questions about the Special Counsel’s investigation and prosecution, but requires assurance from the Department of Justice that he will not be punished for doing so,” Smith’s legal team said.

So a surprising twist. Or was it? Jack Smith has seemed to relish the spotlight since the day he was appointed. He wants to testify publicly before Congress – not behind closed doors, as originally requested. Smith’s legal team sent a letter to both Chairman Jordan and Chairman Grassley (who’s long been a watchdog for whistleblowers and DOJ accountability), saying he’s “prepared to answer questions” – but only in front of cameras.

That might sound noble, but it’s actually a brilliant PR move. It paints Smith as the one who’s eager for transparency, while making Jordan’s call for a private setting sound politically motivated – even though it’s the more responsible route for real oversight.

Last week, Chairman Jordan sent a formal request asking Smith to appear for what’s called a “transcribed interview.” That’s basically one step before a full deposition – less formal, but still serious. It’s the kind of setting where investigators can ask detailed, follow-up questions without all the grandstanding and time limits that make televised hearings feel more like campaign ads. Chairman Jordan wasn’t looking to make a scene. He just wanted to dig for substance – the kind of investigative work Congress is supposed to do.

Though Smith has responded, it appears he and his legal team are trying to turn this into a show. They’re asking for:

• Assurances from the DOJ that he won’t face punishment for speaking publicly. (He’s no longer a government employee.)
• Guidance on what he can discuss regarding grand jury material.
• Access to his old Special Counsel files, which he doesn’t currently have.

In other words: I’ll talk, but only if you give me all my stuff back and legal protection to boot. That’s not just cautious – it’s strategic. Let’s be real. Once those cameras roll, accountability usually takes a backseat to performance.

A caller to today’s show voiced concern that such a public spectacle would allow Smith to “grandstand” and not give real answers. Unfortunately, I’m inclined to agree. Real truth tends to come out in transcripts, not press conferences. One thing is certain; it’s going to be very interesting to watch.

Today’s Sekulow broadcast included more analysis of Jack Smith’s response to the House Judiciary Committee’s request for him to appear. We were joined on the broadcast by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Ric Grenell to discuss the Left’s meltdown-du jour, this time about President Trump adding a ballroom to the White House.

Watch the full broadcast below: