Special Counsel Jack Smith Defends Indictment in Classified Documents Case : NPR

On Friday, Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a recently unsealed indictment against former President Donald Trump.

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

On Friday, Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a recently unsealed indictment against former President Donald Trump.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

On Friday, Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith made a rare public statement after federal officials unsealed an indictment against former President Donald Trump.

In a remark that lasted about 2 minutes, Smith framed the indictment as an important step in keeping America safe and protecting democracy.

“We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone,” Smith said. “Respecting and enforcing the law is what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Smith said his office would avoid speaking publicly about the progress of the case in order to maintain its impartiality amid impassioned political attacks. Attorney General Merrick Garland was not present in the room and Smith left the stage without answering questions from reporters.

Georgetown law professor Paul Butler, who previously worked with Smith in the DOJ unit that prosecutes public corruption, said Smith’s presentation on Friday matched his reputation.

“[Smith] did a bit of what the company man would do: he let the indictment speak for itself,” Butler told NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly.

Smith most recently worked at the International Criminal Court investigating and prosecuting war crimes. He is also overseeing the criminal investigation into whether or not there was interference in the transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election.

Watch and read Smith’s comments in full

“Today an indictment was released charging Donald J. Trump with criminal violations of our national security laws, as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice.

“This indictment was voted on by a grand jury of citizens of the Southern District of Florida. And I urge everyone to read it in its entirety to understand the extent and seriousness of the crimes charged.

“The men and women of the United States intelligence community and our armed forces dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and its people.

“Our laws that protect national defense information are essential to the safety and security of the United States and they must be enforced.

“Violations of these laws put our country at risk.

“Respect for the rule of law is a fundamental principle of the Department of Justice, and our nation’s commitment to the rule of law is an example to the world.

“We have a set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone. The application of those laws, the gathering of facts, is what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Prosecutors in my office are among the most talented and experienced in the Department of Justice. They investigated this case, adhering to the highest ethical standards and they will continue to do so as it unfolds. progress of this case.

“It is very important for me to note that the defendants in this case must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

“To that end, my office will seek an expeditious trial of this matter consistent with the public interest and the rights of the accused. We very much look forward to presenting our case to a jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida.

“In conclusion, I want to thank the dedicated officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with whom my office is conducting this investigation and who have worked tirelessly every day to uphold the rule of law in our country.

“I am deeply proud to stand alongside them. Thank you very much.”