Additional Coverage:
- DOJ pushes for select members of Congress to see Jack Smith’s classified docs report (newsbreak.com)
Justice Department Battles to Release Report on Trump
The Justice Department is pushing to release a section of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report to Congress, despite objections from former co-defendants in Trump’s classified documents case.
The defendants argue that the report’s release would harm their case, but the Justice Department claims their concerns are based on speculation. The department says that releasing the report would be protected by confidentiality agreements and limited to a controlled review by Congress members.
Prosecutors point to similar precautions taken with the Mueller Report, arguing that they have proven effective in preventing leaks. They also dismiss arguments about the legality of Smith’s appointment, stating that the Attorney General has the authority to release such reports.
Last week, the Justice Department released the first volume of Smith’s report, which focused on election interference. Trump and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to various charges related to the handling of classified materials and alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Despite the dismissal of the cases due to Trump’s reelection, Smith’s report concluded that he would have likely faced convictions if voters had not returned him to the White House in 2024. Smith has since resigned as special prosecutor after submitting his report.