Smith: Trump "Exploited" Capitol Violence to Stop Election

Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to indict former President Donald Trump in newly released testimony. According to a transcript published by House Republicans, Smith accused Trump of trying to "exploit" the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Smith stated this was done to obstruct the certification of the 2020 presidential election. The testimony was part of a closed-door interview Smith gave to lawmakers. In it, he outlined the reasoning behind the federal criminal case. Trump faces charges of conspiring to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty. The release of the transcript provides a direct look at the prosecutor's argument. Smith's team alleges Trump used the chaos of January 6th to prevent the peaceful transfer of power.