As the date for Donald Trump's inauguration approaches, attention is focused on a potentially explosive report concerning his role in the events of January 6, 2021. However, uncertainty remains over whether the report will ever see the light of day.
Special Counsel Jack Smith has been investigating allegations that Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election results after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump has been accused of inciting the January 6 Capitol riots by repeatedly and baselessly claiming the election was "stolen" due to widespread voter fraud. Trump denies the accusations and has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges, asserting that the cases against him are politically motivated.
Why It Matters
Trump’s legal team is attempting to block the release of Smith’s report, arguing it would unlawfully interfere with his presidential transition. Meanwhile, the DOJ is pushing for the report to be made public before Trump assumes office, as many believe he will suppress it once in power.
With Trump’s inauguration just a week away on January 20, time is running out. A temporary three-day injunction on the release of the report expires Monday, January 13, making this week critical.
What to Know
Last Thursday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied an emergency defense motion to block the report. However, a three-day injunction imposed by Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon remains in effect until January 13. Cannon previously ruled that the report could not be released until three days after the appellate decision.
Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance noted on her Substack blog, "Delay is ever Trump’s friend in legal proceedings, and the clock is ticking. Once Trump is back in office, it’s practically certain his Justice Department won’t release the report."
Attorney General Merrick Garland has announced plans to release Volume 1 of Smith’s report, which focuses on events leading up to the January 6 attack. Volume 2, which addresses allegations of Trump’s handling of classified materials, will remain sealed due to ongoing cases involving co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. However, it will be shared with select members of Congress.
Smith resigned on Saturday after filing motions to drop both federal cases against Trump, citing DOJ policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Trump has claimed Smith was "fired."
Reactions
Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance: “It would be a travesty if this report remained secret. One of the purposes of the criminal justice system is to uncover the truth, and much remains unknown.”
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff: “Jack Smith did his duty. The public deserves to see the work of his team before Trump buries it. The system of justice must provide accountability through disclosure.”
Donald Trump on Truth Social: “Deranged Jack Smith was fired today by the DOJ. After wasting over $100 million on the witch hunt against Trump, he left empty-handed!”
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung: Smith’s report is an “unconstitutional, one-sided, falsehood-ridden screed,” urging Biden and Garland to end the “political weaponization” of the justice system.
What Happens Next
With the injunction lifted, the report’s release is possible but not guaranteed, as further legal challenges are expected. The fate of the document is closely watched by Trump, politicians, and the public. American voters remain in suspense over whether they will ever access the findings for themselves.
The public has a right to know what Smith’s report contains; it was paid for by taxpayers… we also deserve to know what criminal activity was involved so we may better know how to deal with the incoming administration…
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