Overview
- The committee released a 255-page transcript and more than eight hours of video on Dec. 31 after Smith’s closed-door Dec. 17 testimony, which he had asked to give publicly.
- In sworn remarks, Smith said his team had proof beyond a reasonable doubt and described Trump as the most culpable actor who “caused” and “exploited” the Capitol attack.
- Smith confirmed he personally approved secret subpoenas for GOP lawmakers’ phone metadata, said judges were not told the targets were members of Congress, and defended the approach as lawful.
- He said investigators obtained toll records rather than call content, noted Rep. Scott Perry’s phone was the only one seized, and cited nondisclosure orders to prevent obstruction.
- DOJ and court restrictions limited his discussion of the classified-documents probe; he noted both Trump cases are now ended, with the documents case dismissed on appointment grounds and the election case withdrawn after Trump’s 2024 victory, while Democrats criticized the New Year’s Eve timing and urged a public hearing.