The long-anticipated final report from Special Counsel Jack Smith paints a vivid and troubling picture of Donald Trump’s actions leading up to, during, and after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It reveals troubling details about his conduct. The 137-page document, released on January 14, 2025, delves into what Trump knew, said, and did during this critical period. It sheds light on the roles of his associates, the pressure exerted on then-Vice President Mike Pence, and the ongoing classified documents case. The Department of Justice (DOJ) released the report following a federal judge’s decision to make it public. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Happened on January 6?

On January 6, 2021, a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, aiming to disrupt the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. The report underscores that Trump’s persistent and unfounded claims of a stolen election incited this unprecedented assault on the democratic process. It asserts that Trump knowingly engaged in a “criminal scheme” to overturn the 2020 election results. Despite being repeatedly informed by senior officials, including then-Attorney General William Barr, that his claims of election fraud were baseless, Trump perpetuated these falsehoods publicly and privately, culminating in the events of January 6.

What Trump Knew and Said

The investigation reveals that Trump was repeatedly advised by his inner circle that he had lost the 2020 election. Despite this, he publicly insisted that the election was rigged. Evidence shows he pressured Vice President Mike Pence and other officials to take unlawful actions to disrupt the certification of electoral votes.

Key revelations include:

• Trump repeatedly berated Pence for being “too honest” to reject the results.
• He admitted privately to staffers that he lost the election, reportedly saying, “Can you believe I lost to this f***ing guy?” when watching Joe Biden on TV.
• During a rally on January 6, Trump urged his supporters to “fight like hell” and march to the Capitol, fully aware of the potential for violence.

Smith’s investigation reveals that Trump received real-time updates about the chaos at the Capitol. However, he failed to act promptly to call off his supporters. Instead, as the situation escalated, Trump resisted calls from aides and family members to condemn the violence. This resistance resulted in a delay of any response for several hours.

The delay in Trump’s response allowed the violence at the Capitol to escalate further, resulting in the deaths of five people, over 140 injuries to law enforcement officers, and extensive property damage, including broken windows, vandalized offices, and stolen equipment. The total cost of repairs and security upgrades was estimated to exceed $30 million.

The Role of Trump’s Associates

Smith’s report identifies key individuals who collaborated with Trump in his efforts, including Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark. These co-conspirators advanced baseless claims of election fraud and supported plans to subvert the democratic process.

One particularly notable revelation involves text messages from Clark to Rep. Scott Perry, admitting that a highly classified briefing on foreign interference yielded no evidence of a stolen election. Despite this, the co-conspirators continued to promote false narratives.

The report also highlights efforts to create slates of “fake electors” to cast votes for Trump, with several participants later admitting they wouldn’t have done so had they known the full extent of the plan.

The Pressure on Mike Pence

Mike Pence’s role as President of the Senate placed him at the center of Trump’s efforts to overturn the election. Handwritten notes from Pence reveal Trump’s persistence, including false claims that the DOJ was uncovering “major infractions” in the election. Pence ultimately refused to comply, emphasizing his constitutional duty.

On January 6, rioters targeted Pence, chanting, “Hang Mike Pence,” after Trump criticized him in his rally speech. The report underscores how Trump’s rhetoric endangered the Vice President and further fueled the violence.

Challenges in Prosecution

Smith’s team faced significant hurdles in building a case against Trump. These included Trump’s influence over witnesses. They also included his use of social media to intimidate prosecutors and potential witnesses, as well as his political and financial status. Despite these challenges, the report concludes there was sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. This would have been possible if Trump had not been re-elected in 2024.

Smith opted not to charge Trump under the Insurrection Act, citing legal risks and the lack of direct evidence tying Trump to the full scope of January 6 violence.

The Classified Documents Case

Separate from the January 6 investigation, Trump also faced scrutiny over his handling of classified documents after leaving office. In 2023, Trump was charged with 40 counts related to his retention of classified materials. Prosecutors alleged Trump refused to return hundreds of documents and even attempted to delete surveillance footage at Mar-a-Lago. The classified documents case was ultimately dismissed due to DOJ policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president, as Trump was re-elected in 2024.

Conclusion

Jack Smith’s final report offers a detailed and critical account of the actions taken by Donald Trump and his associates in the lead-up to and aftermath of January 6, 2021. It underscores the grave risks his actions posed to democracy and the rule of law. The report also highlights the challenges of holding a sitting or former president accountable within the current legal and political framework.

As the nation reflects on these findings, the report serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions. Moving forward, it raises critical questions about the integrity of these institutions and the importance of safeguarding them from future threats. What steps should be taken to ensure accountability and protect democracy? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

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