Jack Smith's testimony highlights Trump's role in Capitol riot

In a recent deposition, former special counsel Jack Smith made it abundantly clear that the January 6th Capitol riot was a direct result of Trump's actions. He stated that the riot "does not happen" without Trump, calling him the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results. This isn't just political rhetoric; it's a serious indictment of Trump's behavior and the consequences of his rhetoric. Smith's insistence that the evidence against Trump is strong enough to warrant charges is a significant point. He emphasized that the crimes committed on January 6th were done for Trump’s benefit, which raises serious questions about his accountability. The fact that Smith's investigations relied on testimony from Trump allies and supporters shows that even those closest to him recognized the gravity of the situation. It’s hard to ignore the implications of a former president being implicated in such a serious conspiracy. This matters because it underscores the fragility of our democratic institutions. If the leader of the free world can incite such violence and still evade accountability, what me age does that send to future leaders? We need to prioritize the rule of law and ensure that no one is above it, especially not someone who has shown such blatant disregard for democratic norms. https://www.npr.org/2025/12/31/g-s1-104190/capitol-riot-trump-jack-smith-transcript.