AG Garland to Release Trump Investigation Report Pending Court Approval
TL/DR –
Special Counsel Jack Smith has submitted his completed report on two investigations involving President-elect Donald Trump to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The report, which resulted in felony charges against Trump, could be made public if a federal appeals court lifts an injunction placed by a Trump-appointed judge. The Justice Department’s filing intends to release only volume one of the report to Congress, which deals with Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, arguing that there is no legal basis for an injunction against its release.
Special Counsel Submits Final Report on Trump Investigations to Attorney General
Special counsel Jack Smith has submitted his final report on two investigations leading to felony charges against President-elect Donald Trump to Attorney General Merrick Garland, according to the Justice Department. A portion of the report could be publicly released if a federal appeals court removes an injunction by a Trump-nominated judge.
Appeal Against Injunction by Trump-Appointed Judge
The Justice Department’s appeal against the injunction by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the charges against Trump, came after she blocked the release of the report pending a ruling from the 11th Circuit.
Justice Department’s Plans for Report Release
The Justice Department plans to give Congress only the first volume of the report, which details Trump’s attempts to reverse the 2020 election results, “in furtherance of the public interest in informing a co-equal branch and the public regarding this significant matter.”
Volume Two On Hold
The second volume of the report, concerning cases against Trump’s co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, will not be released publicly as long as those cases are ongoing.
Lawyers Argue Against Report Release
Lawyers for Nauta and De Oliveira have asked the appeals court for a hearing in district court, arguing that releasing the report to Congress is an “improper attempt” to evade the district court. They also reiterated claims that Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.
DOJ Aims for Limited Congressional Review
The Justice Department seeks to allow “limited congressional review” of volume two of the report, and has asked the 11th Circuit to vacate Cannon’s temporary injunction blocking the release of any part of the report.
Criticism of Judge Aileen Cannon
Cannon has faced criticism for consistently siding with Trump, including her decision to dismiss the charges against him. Some of her decisions, including her handling of a search of his Florida residence, have been reversed due to lack of legal basis.
Contributors
Daniel Barnes and Ryan J. Reilly reported for NBC News, with contributions from Megan Lebowitz.
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