Attorney General Merrick Garland plans to release Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on the 2020 election interference case against President-elect Trump, if a federal court allows it. The report covers allegations that Trump attempted to overturn the election results. However, Volume Two, which covers the classified documents case against Trump, will not be released as two defendants face criminal proceedings. Only the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees will be permitted to view Volume Two.
Trump co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira filed an emergency motion to block the report's release, and a judge temporarily enjoined Smith from releasing it. The order remains in effect until the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issues a resolution.
Nauta and De Oliveira pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they conspired to obstruct the FBI investigation into classified documents. Smith was appointed by Garland in 2022 to investigate both the alleged effort by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election and Trump's keeping of classified documents at his Florida residence. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In summer 2023, a judge dismissed Smith's case against Trump relating to classified records, ruling that he was appointed unlawfully as special counsel. In November 2023, another judge dropped Smith's charges against Trump in the 2020 election interference case. Smith also dropped his appeal to the classified records ruling.
Garland has released reports from two other special counsels whose investigations concluded during his tenure.
7 Comments
Karamba
Garland is doing the right thing by releasing reports from special counsels. We need to know the facts!
Matzomaster
It’s refreshing to see a commitment to accountability. Trump should be held responsible for any wrongdoing.
Rotfront
Despite the disagreements, we have to trust the judicial process. I support the release of the report!
Matzomaster
The focus should be on justice for all, not just protecting political figures. Release the report!
Karamba
I hope the report reveals the truth about Trump’s actions. Justice needs to prevail!
Katchuka
Finally, the truth could come out! This is vital for restoring faith in our electoral process.
Habibi
This feels like an overreach of power. Garland should focus on real issues instead of this nonsense.