By — Maria Ramirez Uribe Maria Ramirez Uribe Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-jack-smith-says-he-would-prosecute-trump-again-for-serious-crimes-against-our-nation Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Jack Smith says he would prosecute Trump again for 'serious crimes against our nation' Politics Sep 29, 2026 10:33 AM EDT Former special counsel Jack Smith said Tuesday that he stands by his decision to bring charges against President Donald Trump over his mishandling of classified documents and role in the Jan. 6 attack. Watch the clip in the video player above. "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation," Smith said during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. WATCH LIVE: Jack Smith testifies before Senate Judiciary as GOP targets past Trump probes Smith, who in 2022 led investigations into Trump and secured two indictments, said he made decisions in the case "without regard" for Trump's "political association activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 presidential election." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "If asked whether to prosecute a former president today, based on the same facts, I would do so regardless of whether that president was a Republican or a Democrat," he said. Republicans and the president have accused Smith of pursuing a politically motivated case against the president. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, referred Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution, alleging that Smith made false statements during an hourslong closed-door meeting with lawmakers in December. Watch Smith's full opening statement in the video player below. Smith has denied accusations of bias, saying he had "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" of what his investigations laid out. "I stand by my testimony before the House of Representatives, and I will not be silenced by continued threats of prosecution," he told the Senate committee. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Maria Ramirez Uribe Maria Ramirez Uribe
Former special counsel Jack Smith said Tuesday that he stands by his decision to bring charges against President Donald Trump over his mishandling of classified documents and role in the Jan. 6 attack. Watch the clip in the video player above. "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation," Smith said during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. WATCH LIVE: Jack Smith testifies before Senate Judiciary as GOP targets past Trump probes Smith, who in 2022 led investigations into Trump and secured two indictments, said he made decisions in the case "without regard" for Trump's "political association activities, beliefs, or candidacy in the 2024 presidential election." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "If asked whether to prosecute a former president today, based on the same facts, I would do so regardless of whether that president was a Republican or a Democrat," he said. Republicans and the president have accused Smith of pursuing a politically motivated case against the president. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, referred Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution, alleging that Smith made false statements during an hourslong closed-door meeting with lawmakers in December. Watch Smith's full opening statement in the video player below. Smith has denied accusations of bias, saying he had "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" of what his investigations laid out. "I stand by my testimony before the House of Representatives, and I will not be silenced by continued threats of prosecution," he told the Senate committee. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now