Jack Smith has questioned individuals in the Jan. 6 inquiry involving Donald Trump.
Special Counsel Investigating 2020 Election Certification
Special counsel Jack Smith is conducting a thorough investigation into the certification of the 2020 election. With the possibility of a third presidential indictment on the horizon, Smith has been seeking testimony from numerous individuals. His grand jury continues to meet with witnesses, focusing particularly on those closest to former President Donald Trump.
Trump’s Inner Circle Under Scrutiny
Smith has shown a keen interest in Trump’s family members, top aides, and attorneys. He is investigating whether Trump may have blamed or pressured individuals in the aftermath of the election. The information that has emerged about the secret grand jury’s subpoenas and meetings with prosecutors suggests that Trump is the prime suspect in Smith’s investigation. This was further reinforced by a target letter that Trump recently announced he received.
The letter, typically sent ahead of an indictment, offered Trump the opportunity to meet with the grand jury within four days. In a lengthy statement, Trump, the 2024 GOP presidential front-runner, accused the Department of Justice of effectively issuing a third indictment and arresting his “number one political opponent,” Joe Biden. Trump asserted his right to protest an election that he believes was rigged and stolen, drawing parallels to the Democrats’ actions against him in 2016.
Continuing the Investigation
Attorney General Merrick Garland specifically tasked Jack Smith with continuing the Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation. The investigation aims to determine whether any person or entity violated the law in connection with efforts to interfere with the lawful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the Electoral College vote.
Speculation has been swirling that Smith’s grand jury could deliver an indictment soon, but as of now, no indictment has been announced. On the same day that the indictment was expected, Trump revealed that his attorneys had a productive meeting with the DOJ, during which no indication of an impending indictment was given.
Key Individuals Identified in the Investigation
Below are some of the individuals that Jack Smith has identified as relevant to the case:
Family Members
- Jared Kushner: Trump’s son-in-law testified to the grand jury in June, stating that he believed Trump genuinely thought the election was stolen.
- Ivanka Trump: Kushner’s wife and Trump’s eldest daughter, who was subpoenaed but has not yet testified.
White House and Campaign Aides
- Mike Pence: The former vice president testified before the grand jury in April. Pence presided over the Senate during the certification of the Electoral College results and has since denounced Trump’s refusal to accept the election results.
- Rudy Giuliani: Trump’s attorney voluntarily complied with Smith’s request for an interview, asserting his loyalty to Trump.
- Stephen Miller: A senior adviser and speechwriter in the Trump White House, Miller testified before the grand jury in April.
- Mark Meadows: Trump’s former chief of staff, and Dan Scavino, his former deputy chief of staff, have both testified to the grand jury.
- Bernie Kerik: Former New York Police Department Commissioner who worked for the Trump campaign, Kerik complied with Smith’s subpoena for documents.
- Steve Bannon: A key strategist for Trump, Bannon was recently subpoenaed by Smith for documents and testimony.
Top Department of Homeland Security Officials
Officials who served in the Department of Homeland Security during Trump’s presidency, including Ken Cuccinelli and Chad Wolf, testified about White House officials asking if DHS could seize voting machines. They adamantly denied that the department had the authority to do so.
State Officials
State officials who have been involved in the investigation include:
- Brad Raffensperger: Georgia Republican Secretary of State who met with federal prosecutors and provided them with election night surveillance footage.
- Rusty Bowers: Arizona GOP House Speaker who was interviewed by the FBI.
- Adrian Fontes: Arizona Democratic Secretary of State who received subpoenas for documents.
Jack Smith’s investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further developments will arise as the grand jury continues its work.
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