In Exchange with Congressman Cohen, Special Counsel Jack Smith Explains How Donald Trump Tried to Intimidate Witnesses

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned former Special Counsel Jack Smith about his investigation and indictments of Donald Trump for conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election and illegal retention of classified documents.

In his exchange with Mr. Smith, the former Special Counsel explained why he sought telephone toll records between President Trump and some members of Congress with non-disclosure provisions. Mr. Smith said he did so because he was concerned about obstruction of justice since Trump was issuing threats and "targeting witnesses…I had a duty to protect witnesses."

Congressman Cohen also discussed the Special Counsel's independence. Mr. Smith testified that neither President Biden, Vice President Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, nor any other Biden administration official interfered in his prosecution.

Smith further testified that he had to drop the cases because of Justice Department policy on not prosecuting sitting presidents.

Congressman Cohen concluded his exchange with Mr. Smith by saying:

"I want to thank you for your service. I think you're a great American and you came out of this as being somebody people can respect and look up to."

See the entire exchange here.

Before the hearing, Congressman previewed it on CNN. See that interview here.

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