Special counsel Jack Smith, in a newly released deposition, defended his investigations into Donald Trump, stating the former president "caused and exploited" the January 6 Capitol attack. Smith described Trump as the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, asserting the attack would not have occurred without him. He argued the investigation was not intended to hamper Trump's election prospects, emphasizing that Trump knowingly spread false claims and escalated tensions during the riot.