Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, defending his decision to charge President Donald Trump.
According to The New Republic, Smith said in his opening remarks that his investigation "developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation," and added that he would prosecute again "regardless of whether that president was a Republican or a Democrat."
PBS NewsHour and NBC News reported that Smith defended his decision to charge Trump at the hearing, with PBS noting Smith said he would prosecute Trump again for "serious crimes against our nation."
According to Just the News, Smith also expressed anger over Trump's firing of former members of his staff, a claim reported only by that outlet.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reports highlighted Smith's statement that his investigation found proof beyond a reasonable doubt of serious crimes.
- Outlets quoted Smith saying he would prosecute Trump again regardless of party.
- Coverage centered on Smith's opening remarks to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation” — The New Republic
Right
- RedState reported Smith saying he would prosecute Trump again if given the chance.
- Just the News reported Smith expressed anger over Trump firing his former staff members.
“Jack Smith Says That If He Had to Do It All Over, He Would Prosecute Trump Again” — RedState
Questions readers ask
What did Jack Smith say at the Senate hearing?
Jack Smith told the Senate Judiciary Committee that his investigation found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Donald Trump committed serious crimes, and said he would prosecute Trump again under the same facts.
When did Jack Smith testify?
Jack Smith gave opening remarks to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, according to The New Republic.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets focused on Smith's defense of his prosecution decisions and his statement that he would charge Trump again, while a right-leaning outlet, Just the News, focused on Smith's reported anger over Trump's firing of his former staff.
Is the claim about Trump firing Smith's staff confirmed by multiple outlets?
No, only Just the News reported that Jack Smith raged over Trump's firings of his former staff, so this claim is single-sourced.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningJack Smith defends decision to charge Trump at Senate hearing
- PBS NewsHourLeft-leaningWATCH: Jack Smith says he would prosecute Trump again for 'serious crimes against our nation'
- The New RepublicLeft-leaningJack Smith Found Proof Beyond “Reasonable Doubt” of Trump’s Guilt
- Just the NewsRight-leaningJack Smith: 'I stand by' decision to charge Donald Trump
- RedStateRight-leaningJack Smith Says That If He Had to Do It All Over, He Would Prosecute Trump Again