He read aloud Trump’s fresh post: “Deranged Jack Smith is being decimated before Congress… Jack Smith is a deranged animal who shouldn’t be allowed to practice law. Hopefully the Attorney General is looking at what he’s done… A big price should be paid.”
Neguse turned to Smith and asked if he was aware of the president “live-truth-socialing” during the proceedings. Smith calmly responded that he was not aware and had nothing to add.
Democrats seized on the episode as evidence of improper pressure on the justice system, with Neguse calling it “corruption” and “weaponization” in reverse.
Republicans, who used the hearing to criticize Smith’s methods and past cases, largely downplayed the post as typical presidential commentary.
The exchange underscored the deep partisan divide surrounding Trump’s legal battles, now that his administration has dismissed the federal cases.
