In a landmark disclosure, former Special Counsel Jack Smith provided Congress with a meticulous 255-page testimony defending his controversial investigations into former President Donald Trump, offering unprecedented insights into the legal proceedings that captured national attention.

Smith's testimony, released on New Year's Eve by the House Judiciary Committee, outlined two critical investigations that were ultimately discontinued after Trump's return to office. During his nearly eight-hour deposition, Smith asserted unequivocally that "the decision to bring charges against President Trump was mine, but the basis for those charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions."

The special counsel presented compelling evidence suggesting Trump engaged in a "criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election" and willfully retained highly classified documents after leaving office. Smith detailed how these documents were stored in unconventional locations, including a ballroom and bathroom at Trump's social club, and claimed that Trump "repeatedly tried to obstruct justice to conceal his continued retention" of sensitive materials.

Throughout the testimony, Smith remained steadfast in his professional approach, emphasizing that his investigative team developed proof "beyond a reasonable doubt" regarding Trump's alleged misconduct. He specifically highlighted the team's careful examination of call records and communications surrounding the January 6th Capitol events, noting that their requests were standard investigative procedures.

The deposition also revealed tensions between Smith and potential political retribution. He candidly acknowledged, "I have no doubt that the President wants to seek retribution against me," while maintaining his commitment to professional integrity. Democrats during the questioning focused on exploring potential motivations behind Trump's actions, while Smith consistently presented a fact-based narrative.

Despite the high-stakes nature of his testimony, Smith repeatedly stressed that he was appearing "in good faith" and that his investigations were solely focused on uncovering potential legal violations. The transcript provides a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the complex legal landscape surrounding Trump's post-presidential legal challenges, offering Americans a transparent look at the investigative process.