Former Special Counsel Jack Smith responds to Republican demands, pushing for transparency before Congress
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | October 2025
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith has offered to testify publicly before Congress regarding his investigations into former President Donald Trump—but as of now, no hearing has been scheduled.
On October 23, 2025, Smith’s attorneys sent a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, responding to Republican demands for his testimony. In the letter, they expressed Smith’s willingness to answer questions in a public forum, noting that this would address “many mischaracterizations” of his work. They also requested assurances from the Department of Justice (DOJ) that he would not face punitive action for cooperating, as well as guidance regarding federal grand jury secrecy rules and access to classified portions of his final report. (Democrats Judiciary Committee PDF)
This letter follows previous efforts by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to compel Smith’s testimony, including a closed-door request earlier in October. Jordan has criticized Smith’s investigations as politically motivated, accusing him of restricting Trump’s public statements and manipulating evidence.
In contrast, Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, have welcomed Smith’s offer to testify publicly, emphasizing that transparency would allow Americans to judge the integrity of the investigations themselves. (Democrats Judiciary Committee Press Release)
Meanwhile, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has expressed appreciation for Smith’s willingness to appear but noted that the committee must first review relevant records. He has posed preliminary questions to Smith concerning communications with Trump administration officials and approval of subpoenas involving members of Congress. (Grassley Letter PDF)
As of now, no public hearings have been scheduled, and the DOJ has not publicly commented on Smith’s request. The situation remains fluid, with potential developments expected in the coming days.
Primary sources for readers:
- Jack Smith’s October 23, 2025 letter to House & Senate Judiciary Committees
- Raskin urges acceptance of public testimony
- Grassley letter to Jack Smith
