The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 7th, 2026

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee released the transcript of former Special Prosecutor Jack Smith’s December 17th deposition defending his January 6th insurrection and Mar-a-Lago classified documents cases. The 255-page transcript released New Year’s eve shows Smith was convinced that President Donald Trump was responsible for the insurrection. 

During the bipartisan questioning, Smith was asked whether Donald Trump’s post-election claims that the election outcome was fraudulent were protected free speech.   

Smith replied: 

“There is no historical analog for what President Trump did in this case. As we said in the indictment, he was free to say that he thought he won the election. He was even free to say falsely that he won the election.  But what he was not free to do was violate Federal law and use knowing — knowingly false statements about election fraud to target a lawful government function. That he was not allowed to do. And that differentiates this case from any past history.” 

Smith later said, “… the evidence here made clear that President Trump was by a large measure the most culpable and most responsible person in this conspiracy.  These crimes were committed for his benefit. The attack that happened at the Capitol, part of this case, does not happen without him.” 

We’ve linked to the full transcript and timelines of Jan. 6th and classified documents cases at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl. 

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

American Democracy Minute – Assault on America’s Democratic Process:  The January 6th, 2021 Insurrection by the Numbers
U.S. House Judiciary Committee via PBS – Transcript of Testimony by Former Special Prosecutor Jack Smith
Report of Special Prosecutor – Final Report of the Special Counsel Under 28 C.F.R. § 600.8 

Congressional Research Service – The Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant: A Legal Introduction
NPR – NPR’s Visual Archive of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
American Oversight – A Timeline of the Government’s Response on Jan. 6, 2021
ABC News – Timeline: Special counsel’s probe into Trump’s efforts to overturn 2020 election
Associated Press – A timeline of events leading to Donald Trump’s indictment in the classified documents case

Groups Taking Action:

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, C.R.E.W., Protect Democracy

Register or Check Your Voter Registration:

U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State

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#News #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #ProtectElections #January6th  #StoptheSteal #TrumpCriminalTrials #DonaldTrump  #JackSmith

The post The Transcript of Former Jan. 6th Prosecutor Jack Smith’s Deposition to the House Judiciary Committee is Released.  It’s an Interesting Read. appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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Today’s Links

Articles:   
NBC News – NBC News poll: 57% of voters say investigations into Trump should continue

NBC News – Full  Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies Poll Results

Newsweek – ‘Threats to Democracy’ Overtake ‘Cost of Living’ as Voters’ Top Issue: Poll

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

A new NBC News poll released August 21st had a surprising finding:  The most concerning issue in America among voters polled was “Threats to Democracy,” over the “Cost of Living” and “Jobs and the Economy.”

The survey was conducted jointly by Democratic and Republican polling firms, who asked 1000 people a wide range of questions about politics and the economy just after the raid on former President Trump’s Florida home.

When asked what was the most important issue facing the country, 21% of polled voters indicated “Threats to democracy,” followed by 16% for “Cost of Living” and 14% for “Jobs and the Economy.”   Polls earlier this year had “Cost of Living” as the number one issue.

There were questions regarding the investigation of the January 6th Committee.   Fifty-seven percent agreed with the statement, “These investigations should continue because if there is wrongdoing by Donald Trump, he needs to be held accountable just like anyone else,” vs. 40% who agreed with “These investigations should not continue because they are politically motivated against a former president and divide the country.”   Fifty-percent of voters polled hold the former President “Solely” or “Mainly” responsible for the January 6th insurrection.

Sadly, 58% believe America’s best days are behind it, which the poll shows is the highest percentage on this question dating back to 1990.   And  61% of voters say they’re so upset by something, they’re willing to carry a protest sign for an entire day.   

Links to articles and the poll itself can be found at  AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.   For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl.

The post ADM for August 25, 2022: New Poll Show “Threats to Democracy” as Top Issue with Voters, Over the Economy appeared first on American Democracy Minute.