WASHINGTON, DC — Following Special Counsel Jack Smith’s closed-door deposition 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:
“House Republicans’ decision to haul Jack Smith into a closed-door deposition is a politically motivated distraction meant to serve Donald Trump’s campaign of retribution. If Republicans were interested in transparency, they would hold a public hearing so the American people could hear directly from Smith. Instead, they’ve chosen secrecy – a process designed for selective leaks, misleading soundbites, and partisan attacks shielded from public scrutiny.
“Jack Smith conducted his investigations with integrity, following the evidence and upholding the Constitution. Targeting him for doing his job is a chilling echo of how authoritarians operate: they weaponize the government to retaliate against defenders of the rule of law.
“At the same time, House Republicans continue to withhold Volume Two of Smith’s Special Counsel report from the public. If they truly cared about accountability, they would release the full report and hold a public hearing. Instead, they’re protecting Trump and attacking those who investigated his crimes. This is retribution masquerading as oversight — and every American who values democracy should be alarmed.”
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.