A federal judge has authorized the Justice Department to release a report by special counsel Jack Smith regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case, as per AP. However, a temporary injunction will delay the public release until Tuesday, and further legal challenges could follow.
Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, initially blocked the release of the full report but now allows the publication of the volume detailing Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. A hearing is set for Friday to determine whether another volume, addressing classified documents Trump kept at Mar-a-Lago after leaving office, can be shared with lawmakers.
The Justice Department has committed to withholding the classified documents volume from public disclosure while related criminal cases against Trump’s co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are ongoing.
In July, Cannon dismissed the classified documents case, ruling Smith’s appointment was unlawful. Following Trump’s November presidential victory, the Justice Department dropped its cases, citing policies against prosecuting sitting presidents.
Special counsel Jack Smith resigned after submitting his report to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The report could reveal more details about Trump’s efforts to retain power ahead of the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Cannon stated that releasing the classified documents volume could compromise the fair trial rights of Nauta and De Oliveira and breach Justice Department policies. A decision on sharing it with congressional officials will follow Friday’s hearing.
(With inputs from AP)
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