President Donald Trump lashed out at former special counsel Jack Smith, calling for Smith to be prosecuted for what Trump described as a history of destructive actions and alleged perjury. “Based on his testimony today, there is no question that Deranged Jack Smith should be prosecuted for his actions. He destroyed the lives of many innocent people, which has been his history as a prosecutor. At a minimum, he committed large scale perjury!” Trump wrote.
Based on his testimony today, there is no question that Deranged Jack Smith should be prosecuted for his actions. He destroyed the lives of many innocent people, which has been his history as a prosecutor. At a minimum, he committed large scale perjury!
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 22, 2026
Trump’s post came in response to Smith’s public appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, where the former special counsel detailed the findings of his investigations into Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents. Smith testified that Trump “caused Jan. 6,” asserting that the former president knowingly exploited violence to try to maintain power and obstruct the peaceful transfer of government authority.
Jack Smith calls out Donald Trump for causing January 6th.
— DonkConnects ♻️™ (@donkoclock) January 22, 2026
This is the soundbite I will be sharing everywhere. pic.twitter.com/SACYefcdPQ
During his testimony, Smith emphasized that political affiliation played no role in his investigative decisions, citing key Republican witnesses who confirmed the legitimacy of the 2020 election results despite pressure from Trump. He also defended the investigative methods used, including reviewing phone toll records, as standard practice in a probe into conspiracy and obstruction of power.
“President Trump was charged because the evidence established that he willfully broke the law — the very laws he took an oath to uphold,” Smith told lawmakers. He also addressed Trump’s handling of classified documents post-presidency, noting that highly sensitive materials were improperly kept at Mar-a-Lago and that Trump had sought to obstruct justice in concealing them.
SMITH: Trump engaged in criminal scheme to overturn results & prevent transfer of power. After leaving office Trump illegally kept classified docs…repeatedly tried to obstruct justice…NATSEC info held in a ballroom & bathroom
— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) January 22, 2026
pic.twitter.com/7EO7yowH2z
Trump’s reaction framed the testimony as politically motivated and unfair. He characterized Smith as a prosecutor with a pattern of harming innocent people, repeating claims of perjury without providing specifics regarding the alleged falsehoods. The former president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the January 6 investigation or in the handling of classified documents.
Committee responses to Smith’s testimony fell along partisan lines. Republican members criticized the proceedings as biased, while Democrats praised Smith for highlighting the legal and factual basis for Trump’s indictments. Smith’s appearance reinforced the position that even a former president can face accountability under U.S. law.
Trump’s post signals that he intends to continue framing Smith’s testimony as a personal attack, amid ongoing legal battles and political debate over the events of January 6 and related investigations.
