The House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed former special counsel Jack Smith to testify in a closed-door hearing scheduled for Dec. 17. The subpoena, delivered by Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, cites Smith’s role as special counsel and the committee’s belief that he possesses information critical to oversight regarding investigations into President Donald Trump. These investigations examined Trump’s actions following the 2020 election and his alleged possession of classified documents.
Smith’s testimony will take place at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17, and the committee has also demanded documents to be submitted by Dec. 12. Attorney Peter Koski, representing Smith, confirmed that he will comply with the subpoena, noting that Smith had previously offered to testify publicly in October. Koski expressed disappointment that the offer was rejected and said Smith looks forward to clarifying misconceptions about his investigation.
Democrats on the committee, including Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., criticized Republicans for seeking a private session, accusing them of attempting to control and spin Smith’s testimony through selective leaks. Raskin said the public is being denied transparency and accused House Republicans of subjecting Smith to partisan tactics. Smith’s investigation formally ended after the Supreme Court ruled in July 2024 that presidents have broad immunity for actions taken while in office, including those under Smith’s review.