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Jack Smith Defends Trump Investigations Amid Political Controversy

12/18/2025

Summary

Smith Defends Investigations

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee on December 17, 2025.
He defended his investigations into U.S. President Donald Trump.
He said the charges rest on Trump’s actions and do not reflect political motivations.
Republicans alleged overreach in obtaining phone records of GOP lawmakers.
Democrats pushed for public access to Smith's findings.

Summary

Kushner Withdraws Project

Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners has withdrawn from the Trump-branded Belgrade hotel project after corruption charges against four senior officials.
Serbian authorities' bid to strip heritage protections from a site damaged in the 1999 NATO bombing sparked backlash.
Public protests united citizens against perceived disrespect for national heritage.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic labeled the investigation a "witch hunt."
The prosecutor's office continues to investigate additional individuals linked to the project.

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Smith Defends Investigations

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee on December 17, 2025.
He defended his investigations into U.S. President Donald Trump.
He said the charges rest on Trump’s actions and do not reflect political motivations.
Republicans alleged overreach in obtaining phone records of GOP lawmakers.
Democrats pushed for public access to Smith's findings.

1 / 2