Why did Republicans agree to embarrass themselves with Jack Smith’s testimony?

For months, Jim Jordan refused to provide the special counsel with a public platform. Then he changed his mind. There are a few theories as to why.

Friday, January 23, 2026 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS Why did Republicans agree to embarrass themselves with Jack Smith's testimony? Why did Republicans agree to embarrass themselves with Jack Smith's testimony? For months, Jim Jordan refused to provide the special counsel with a public platform. Then he changed his mind. There are a few theories as to why. MORE White House pushes manipulated image of arrest of Minnesota civil rights attorney As one prominent political scientist summarized, "We are at Stalinesque levels of propaganda." MORE White House pushes manipulated image of arrest of Minnesota civil rights attorney As one prominent political scientist summarized, "We are at Stalinesque levels of propaganda." MORE JD Vance comes up with a new metaphor for the Trump-led economy: The Titanic I don't want to spoil the story for the vice president, but that ship's problem wasn't the direction it was heading. MORE JD Vance comes up with a new metaphor for the Trump-led economy: The Titanic I don't want to spoil the story for the vice president, but that ship's problem wasn't the direction it was heading. MORE In unanimous vote, House tries to block Senate Republicans from cashing in on faux scandal After Senate Republicans empowered themselves to file lucrative "Arctic Frost" lawsuits, House Republicans voted unanimously to take that power away. MORE In unanimous vote, House tries to block Senate Republicans from cashing in on faux scandal After Senate Republicans empowered themselves to file lucrative "Arctic Frost" lawsuits, House Republicans voted unanimously to take that power away. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG 'Sometimes you need a dictator': Trump shines new light on his political philosophy The glaring problem(s) with Trump's newly unveiled 'Board of Peace' Key CDC leader calls measles outbreaks the 'cost of doing business' After seeing discouraging poll numbers, Trump eyes conspiratorial new lawsuit Trump denies 'weaponization' accusations while siccing prosecutors on his enemies ABOUT LAST NIGHT 'TRUMP BELONGS IN PRISON': Maddow and MS NOW colleagues share reactions to Jack Smith testimony Democrats keep door open for more on Trump criminal investigations from Smith Jack Smith hearing leaves GOP grasping for excuses WHAT'S ON RACHEL'S BLUESKY RADAR? last year: belarus this year: u.s.a. 'Endangered lawyer' day highlights US justice system's plummeting standing - International coalition of legal groups focuses on political intimidation of lawyers and judges in US – once a role model (The Guardian) "Liam, age 5, was the fourth child in the district to be detained by immigration agents in the past two weeks, school officials said.  "Two of them are high-schoolers. "One is a 10-year-old girl who was apprehended on her way to school..." (New York Times) Follow Rachel Maddow on Bluesky here. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up to follow it yourself or send this sign-up link to someone you know would appreciate it. NEWS TIPS? SEND IT TO RACHEL FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM RACHEL MADDOW ON BLUESKY 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER