The Role of Trump in the Capitol Riot

The January 6th Capitol riot was a major event in U.S. history. Many people believe that former President Donald Trump played a big role in it. Jack Smith, a former special counsel, recently spoke to lawmakers about this. He said that the riot would not have happened without Trump's involvement.

Smith's Testimony

Smith's comments came during a closed-door interview. The House Judiciary Committee later released a transcript and video of this interview. In it, Smith defended the investigations into Trump. He said that the evidence against Trump was strong. He also rejected claims that the investigations were politically motivated.

Trump's Responsibility

Smith said that Trump was the most responsible person in the conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results. He said that the crimes committed were for Trump's benefit. The riot at the Capitol, he said, would not have happened without Trump.

Evidence Against Trump

Smith also talked about the evidence against Trump. He said that much of it came from Trump's own allies and supporters. These people cooperated with the investigation. Smith said that their testimony was some of the strongest evidence against Trump.

Trump's Actions Leading Up to the Riot

Smith also discussed Trump's actions leading up to the riot. He said that Trump had spread false claims of election fraud. He also directed his supporters to the Capitol. Once the riot started, Smith said, Trump did not do enough to stop it.

Trump's Communications

Some of the interview focused on Trump's communications with Republican lawmakers. Smith said that these communications were important to the case. He also defended the investigation's use of phone records. He said that the outrage should be directed at Trump, not the prosecutors.

Cassidy Hutchinson's Claims

Smith also talked about Cassidy Hutchinson's claims. She had said that Trump tried to grab the steering wheel of his SUV. Smith said that the officer in the car had a different version of events.