In a gripping testimony, US special counsel Jack Smith publicly claimed that President Donald Trump was involved in the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. His bold declarations came before a congressional committee, stating he possessed “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” implicating Trump in two major investigations. One focused on alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, and the other involved claims of retaining classified documents improperly.

Smith’s testimony was the first public account following private disclosures now released in a 255-page transcript. Despite Trump pleading not guilty, the cases were dismissed once he regained the presidency last year. The hearing, held by a Republican-led committee, turned contentious, with Republicans alleging political bias and criticising Smith's investigative methods, while Democrats applauded Smith's efforts.

Smith remained firm, asserting his decision to charge Trump was based on substantial evidence that could secure convictions. He argued that Trump was undeniably the pivotal figure responsible for 6 January’s chaos. Smith stated, “The attack that happened at the Capitol...does not happen without him.”

Despite potential repercussions, Smith anticipated continuous targeting by Trump and allied officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi's alleged closeness to Trump raised concerns for Smith, who remained defiant against potential intimidation. The Office of the Special Counsel has begun an investigation into Smith, though its focus remains undisclosed and it lacks criminal prosecutorial authority.

Publicly, Trump retaliated, labelling Smith “Deranged” on social media and demanding legal repercussions for Smith's actions. This came as partisan divides were evident during the hearing. Republicans shifted blame for the riot towards Capitol Police leadership rather than Trump, prompting emotional responses from four former Capitol Police officers present.

Smith contested Trump’s mass pardon of individuals involved in the 6 January events, especially those charged with violent acts. Post-testimony, he expressed disbelief and concern over such clemency. Meanwhile, Trump attacked Smith's past and methods, questioning his legal standing and suggesting political partiality.

Smith’s statements have reignited discussions about accountability for the riot and preventative measures against future unrest. Legal and political communities are closely monitoring these developments. The situation underlines the enduring political tensions surrounding the Capitol events and their implications for Trump's legacy, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways:

• Jack Smith accused Trump of instigating the 6 January Capitol riot.

• Smith anticipated targeted legal repercussions but remained resolute.

• Trump's controversial pardoning riot-involved individuals was criticised.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-23

 

 

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Trump should be in jail !!!! Not pesident the guy is a loony !

Unfortunately, Trump's current presidential immunity shields him from immediate legal jeopardy. But this testimony has major implications for him.

We now have a sworn record - from the chief investigator, no less - asserting there is 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' of Trump's central role in the January 6th riot. That's going to be well-nigh impossible for him to fully discredit in the history books.

Of course, he'll just double down, claim victim-status, and pitch it to the MAGA base as nothing more than an ongoing 'witch hunt.'

So politically, the main effect will be to further polarize the already deeply-divided electorate for some time to come.

As I see it, a key battleground in that fight will be his pardons for the rioters, which the testimony specifically highlighted.

So, in the end, perhaps Trump - 川建国 to the ironic netizens of China - has fulfilled the ultimate pseudo-Chinese curse: ensuring we all live in profoundly interesting times for the foreseeable future!

Meanwhile back in the real world Jack Smith cut a pathetic figure on the stand. Classic hunter to hunted scenario. He loved the lawfare and politically motivated pursuit of his quarry, sadly like most cockroaches he's not in party mode so much when the lights got turned on.

Jail soon for this joyless attack dog of Garland/empty shell of Biden

9 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Meanwhile back in the real world

When are you going to join it and ditch your total fixation that TRUMP can do no wrong, even given this Greenland fiasco of his making?

11 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

He loved the lawfare and politically motivated pursuit of his quarry, sadly like most cockroaches he's not in party mode so much when the lights got turned on.

I asked AI to translate the above gibberish but it said "Does not compute"!

6 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

I asked AI to translate the above gibberish but it said "Does not compute"!

More of a giver than a taker🤣

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In a gripping testimony, US special counsel Jack Smith publicly claimed that President Donald Trump was involved in the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot.

Testimony that exposed Smith of being an obsessive political leftist abject tool.

29 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

More of a giver than a taker🤣

Of insults?

34 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Meanwhile back in the real world Jack Smith cut a pathetic figure on the stand. Classic hunter to hunted scenario. He loved the lawfare and politically motivated pursuit of his quarry, sadly like most cockroaches he's not in party mode so much when the lights got turned on.

Jail soon for this joyless attack dog of Garland/empty shell of Biden

How many times have we seen the board's resident MAGA apologists post their most fervent dreams here. "He'll go to jail!", "she'll go to jail!", "they will all go to jail!".

And every single time they've been wrong!🤣

40 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

How many times have we seen the board's resident MAGA apologists post their most fervent dreams here. "He'll go to jail!", "she'll go to jail!", "they will all go to jail!".

And every single time they've been wrong!🤣

True that. Lefties dont go to jail. They are above the law. The lefts sacred mantra that everyone is equal under the law was BS. Lets see if Bill and Hillary can bring back the concept of blind justice, but not much hope under Bondi. Now if Matt Gaetz was AG it would be a whole nother game.

Smith got crucified at the hearing. The above article is the BBC's take on this or in other words a leftist take on this.

14 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

True that. Lefties dont go to jail. They are above the law. The lefts sacred mantra that everyone is equal under the law was BS. Lets see if Bill and Hillary can bring back the concept of blind justice, but not much hope under Bondi. Now if Natt Gaetz was AG it would be a whole nother game.

I agree. Matt Gaetz would 100% fit right in!

23 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Smith got crucified at the hearing. The above article is the BBC's take on this or in other words a leftist take on this.

Great article, cracking read!

President Donald Trump’s former deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews blasted Republicans trying to deny the facts of Trump’s attempted coup of the 2020 election.

“Trump knew that he lost, and he had been told by multiple advisers, both in the White House, on the campaign and state officials, that he lost, so that this was a propaganda effort by his part to try to find these votes,” Matthews told MS NOW anchor Ari Melber. “For example, in Georgia, spreading these conspiracy theories about Dominion voting machines. He knew that he lost, but he was willing to cling to anything and any excuse in order to try to stay in power.”

Melber brought up Thursday Republican attacks on former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who provided incriminating testimony to the January 6 Committee on Trump’s scheme. Matthews similarly Blasted Republicans who attacked her without evidence. “She faced death threats as a result and had to go into hiding. So, I think that it's really rich for a lot of these members of Congress to sit there and attack her when there is no basis to their attacks against her.”

She further hammered Republicans for “know[ing] that Trump lost a free and fair election and that he tried to overthrow it as a result.”

Former Trump official doesn't know how Republicans 'sleep at night'

14 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Meanwhile back in the real world Jack Smith cut a pathetic figure on the stand. Classic hunter to hunted scenario. He loved the lawfare and politically motivated pursuit of his quarry, sadly like most cockroaches he's not in party mode so much when the lights got turned on.

Jail soon for this joyless attack dog of Garland/empty shell of Biden

It’s no wonder the liberal left adore jack smith their criminal all star.

14 hours ago, novacova said:

Testimony that exposed Smith of being an obsessive political leftist abject tool.

Nonsense it reaffirmed the crime we all saw with our own eyes heard with our ears and understand with our brains all the nonsense gaslighting doesn’t change that.The fact of the matter is that trump is a criminal he and maduro should be cellies…….now that would be interesting ehh?but for one corrupt judge keeping the case from being heard we could have avoided the mess trump has created.sad

16 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Meanwhile back in the real world Jack Smith cut a pathetic figure on the stand. Classic hunter to hunted scenario. He loved the lawfare and politically motivated pursuit of his quarry, sadly like most cockroaches he's not in party mode so much when the lights got turned on.

Jail soon for this joyless attack dog of Garland/empty shell of Biden

16 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Classic hunter to hunted scena

Exactly,now the lights are on Smith and he's the one looking pathetic. Reminds me of the BBC fake doc that cut Trump's go peacefully and patriotically line to make him sound like he incited violence. Same old media/DOJ playbook, just backfiring now.

I doubt Smith will ever be prosecuted as then he will be given a platform to reveal the evidence he gathered.

3 hours ago, Tug said:

Nonsense it reaffirmed the crime we all saw with our own eyes heard with our ears and understand with our brains all the nonsense gaslighting doesn’t change that.The fact of the matter is that trump is a criminal he and maduro should be cellies…….now that would be interesting ehh?but for one corrupt judge keeping the case from being heard we could have avoided the mess trump has created.sad

Thomas Crooks should not have missed !!!!

5 hours ago, riclag said:

Exactly,now the lights are on Smith and he's the one looking pathetic. Reminds me of the BBC fake doc that cut Trump's go peacefully and patriotically line to make him sound like he incited violence. Same old media/DOJ playbook, just backfiring now.

And Trump should allow the release of all investigation documents in 9rder to clear his name! 😆

20 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Smith got crucified at the hearing. The above article is the BBC's take on this or in other words a leftist take on this.

In the MAGA alternate universe only! 😆

On 1/23/2026 at 6:12 PM, SunnyinBangrak said:

Meanwhile back in the real world Jack Smith cut a pathetic figure on the stand. Classic hunter to hunted scenario. He loved the lawfare and politically motivated pursuit of his quarry.

I'm sure glad the President doesn't practice lawfare!!! /s

On 1/24/2026 at 11:47 AM, Purdey said:

I doubt Smith will ever be prosecuted as then he will be given a platform to reveal the evidence he gathered.

I think he'll whistleblow anyway. Guy has both integrity and patriotism.

Most such trials are held in camera with evidence sealed, e.g. Chelsea Manning.

40 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I'm sure glad the President doesn't practice lawfare!!! /s

Which one? The senile Biden invented US lawfare against unbeatable opponent. It turned America into a banana republic. All because of an episode of mass mania - unmentionable here Im afraid😅 Bit late to blurt about lawfare now.

Wouldn't it be ironic if the International Criminal Court nabbed DT and his droogs and the prosecutor is Jack Smith?

It is always a laugh when a lunatic is running around denouncing everyone else as deranged.

"No puppet, no puppet, YOU are the puppet!" That was her chance to go in for the kill, and she blew it.