Special counsel Jack Smith has released his final report on the investigation into Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, concluding that the former president engaged in an "unprecedented criminal effort" to retain power.
The 170-page document, submitted to Congress by Attorney General Merrick Garland, provides a comprehensive account of Smith's inquiry into the events leading up to and including the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The report strongly condemns Trump's actions, stating that he "motivated his supporters to engage in acts of physical violence" on January 6 and deliberately propagated false narratives about election fraud. Smith argues that there was sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction against Trump, had he not won re-election in November 2024.
Legal Implications
Smith's report defends his decision to file charges against Trump, which included four counts related to the 2020 election investigation. However, the case was ultimately dropped due to Trump's re-election and the Justice Department's policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president.
Report Release and Controversy
The release of the report followed a legal battle, with Trump's lawyers attempting to block its publication. Despite these efforts, Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon cleared the way for the report's release. It's worth noting that only Volume One of Smith's final report has been made public, with Volume Two, pertaining to the classified documents investigation, remaining sealed.
Scope of Investigation
The report reveals that Smith's investigation was more extensive than previously known, encompassing interviews with over 250 individuals and grand jury testimony from more than 55 witnesses. It also clarifies that the House select committee's investigation into January 6 comprised only a small part of the special counsel's investigative record.
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