Congress Jack Smith

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith has told lawmakers in a closed-door interview his team “developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt” President Donald Trump criminally conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss. That's according to portions of Smith's opening statement obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. Smith says investigators had “powerful evidence” Trump broke the law by hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate from his first term as president and by obstructing government efforts to recover the records. Smith says decisions in the investigations were made without regard to consideration of Trump’s Republican candidacy in 2024. He testified for some eight hours behind closed doors. Trump has said he'd rather see Smith testify publicly.

President Donald Trump has delivered a speech where he discussed his achievements and touched on some of his agenda for next year and beyond. Trump pointed to the immigration situation under former President Joe Biden’s presidency, as well as inflation and culture issues. His remarks are coming at a crucial time as he tries to rebuild his steadily eroding popularity. Public polling shows most U.S. adults are frustrated with his handling of the economy as inflation picked up after his tariffs raised prices and hiring slowed. Trump has previously said he thinks more Americans would back him if they simply heard him describe his track record.