DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report on the federal election subversion investigation offers a dramatic glimpse into the Trump administration's legal battles post-election. Smith's findings come at a particularly sensitive moment—right before Trump's inauguration as president-elect. According to the report, Smith asserts that a conviction against Trump in this case seemed highly probable had it gone to trial, especially if the outcome of the election had been different. This sharp assertion suggests Smith had a compelling case, but the case was effectively sidelined by the election's results.
Key Points from the Report:
- Trump's Objection to Release: Trump had urged that the report remain sealed, but Attorney General Merrick Garland overruled him, sending the 137-page document to Congress. This action marked one of the last significant moves of the Biden administration regarding Trump’s legal cases.
- Legal Battle Over Secrecy: The release followed months of legal wrangling. Trump’s legal team sought to block the report’s publication, but Garland and Smith’s office prevailed in the courts.
- Volume 1 of the Report Released: Volume one addresses the attempted subversion of the election—Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. This includes the infamous January 6 Capitol riot and other actions meant to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's victory.
- Volume 2 (Classified Documents Case): The second volume, dealing with Trump’s handling of classified documents, remains sealed. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, has been criticized for her rulings in the documents case, but she has recently called for a hearing later this week to consider whether to release that portion of the report.
- Original Indictment: The January 6 indictment included four major counts against Trump, notably "conspiracy to defraud" the U.S., based on his attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
Political and Legal Context:
- Trump's Legal Troubles: This report adds to the growing body of legal issues facing the former president, who has already been indicted on several fronts, including charges related to obstruction and conspiracy in connection to the events surrounding January 6, 2021.
- Judge Aileen Cannon's Role: Her recent ruling regarding the sealed second volume underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump's legal team and the Department of Justice. Critics of Cannon argue her rulings have been biased in favor of Trump, raising questions about judicial impartiality.
- Timing and Impact: The report’s release is significant not just legally, but politically, as
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486177-report-of-special-coun…
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