Bulwark Takes Jack Smith Testifies, Republicans Insult Our Intelligence
Jan 23, 2026
A deep dive into Jack Smith's congressional testimony reveals how House Republicans distorted facts to protect Trump. Accusations of spying are debunked, and the relevance of McCarthy’s call records during the Capitol attack is clarified. Claims of targeting conservatives fall flat against evidence showing cooperation from conservative witnesses. Saletan argues that election results don't absolve Trump legally, insisting that political maneuvering impeded justice rather than evidence. House Republicans are highlighted as continuing to shield Trump from scrutiny.
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Hearing Served Political Cover, Not Truth
- House Republicans used the hearing to protect themselves and Donald Trump rather than to seek truth about the investigation.
- Will Saletan explains subpoenas targeted toll records, not phone taps, and were legally justified to investigate witnesses like Kevin McCarthy.
Toll Records, Not Wiretaps
- Smith subpoenaed toll records to show who called whom and when, not to wiretap conversations.
- Those records were relevant because Kevin McCarthy was a direct witness to Trump's response during the Capitol attack.
Conservatism Isn't A Crime; Conspiracy Is
- The prosecutions distinguished law-abiding conservatives from those who sought to overturn the election.
- Scott Perry's deep involvement made his phone and contacts legitimately relevant to the investigation.