It seems the legal and political drama surrounding Donald Trump is far from over. As the former president gears up to take office again, his lawyers are scrambling to stop the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith. This report dives deep into two major investigations of Trump, and his legal team is urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to fire Smith and keep the findings under wraps.
What’s the Report About?
Justice Department rules require special counsels to submit a detailed report at the end of an investigation, explaining their legal decisions. Garland has hinted that he intends to release the report, with necessary redactions, for public view.
But Trump’s lawyers are pushing back. According to a letter included in a motion filed Monday, they argue that releasing the report just days before Trump’s inauguration would disrupt his transition to power.
In their letter, attorneys Todd Blanche and John Lauro wrote, “Releasing Smith’s report is obviously not in the public interest — especially given President Trump’s decisive election victory and the delicate nature of the transition process.”
A Messy Legal Web
The two-volume report isn’t just stirring controversy for Trump. It also impacts Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, Trump’s co-defendants in Smith’s classified documents case. They’ve requested Judge Aileen Cannon to block the report, citing her earlier decision to dismiss the case due to Smith’s “unlawful” appointment as special counsel.
While Cannon’s ruling defied decades of legal precedent, the Justice Department is currently appealing it. Interestingly, Smith has dropped Trump from this appeal due to his recent election win, as department policy forbids prosecuting sitting presidents.
The Bigger Picture
The report’s release could have ripple effects. Trump’s co-defendants argue that making it public would harm their ongoing legal battles. Meanwhile, Trump’s attorneys claim the report disregards the presumption of innocence and would trigger a media frenzy, making it harder for Trump to focus on his transition.
Trump’s legal team even went so far as to call Smith’s report a “lawless political stunt,” accusing him of wasting taxpayer money on what they see as failed cases. They’ve asked Garland to let Trump’s Justice Department decide the fate of the report if Smith isn’t removed.
What’s Next?
This isn’t the only report on the horizon. The Justice Department is also preparing to release findings from special counsel David Weiss’s investigation into Hunter Biden. That report, expected before Trump takes office, will include details about the federal cases against the president’s son, who was recently pardoned by Joe Biden.
With emotions running high and legal battles intensifying, the stage is set for a dramatic start to Trump’s presidency. Will Garland heed the calls to block the report? Or will it be released, adding yet another chapter to this unfolding saga?
One thing’s for sure—this story isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Stay tuned!