WASHINGTON, DC — As Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies before the House Judiciary Committee today, the Not Above the Law coalition’s co-chairs – Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen; Praveen Fernandes, Vice President of the Constitutional Accountability Center; Kelsey Herbert, Campaign Director at MoveOn; and Brett Edkins, Managing Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Stand Up America – released the following statement:
“Today, Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies publicly before the House Judiciary Committee in what can only be described as a political vendetta dressed as congressional inquiry. For months, Republicans refused to allow Smith to testify publicly, but now they’re rushing this hearing for one reason: they are worried that Judge Aileen Cannon’s injunction hiding the second volume of his report will expire soon and they are terrified the American people will learn the full truth about Trump’s crimes.”
“Jack Smith is a career prosecutor who spent decades holding the powerful accountable, regardless of party. His eight hours of closed-door testimony proved his investigation was proper, lawful, and conducted according to standard DOJ procedures.
“This hearing is part of a broader assault on the rule of law to shield a twice-impeached, four-times-indicted president who attempted to overthrow our democracy. We demand Republicans allow Smith to speak to his full report and release Volume Two of his report immediately. The American people deserve the truth, not a cover-up designed to protect an authoritarian.”
For questions about our work to hold Trump accountable or to request an interview with a Not Above the Law coalition leader, please email press@focalpointstrategygroup.com.