"Federal judge permanently bars Justice Dept from disclosing section of Jack Smith's report on Trump's alleged misuse of gov docs & obstruction probe. Orde
In Washington D.C., a federal judge has permanently restrained the Justice Department from disclosing a section of former special counsel Jack Smith's report, which delves into President Donald Trump's alleged mismanagement of sensitive government documents and obstruction of the subsequent investigation. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted pleas from Mr. Trump, along with two of his former co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, to issue an order prohibiting the dissemination of the second volume of Smith's report.
The order prevents Attorney General Pam Bondi or her successors from releasing or sharing that portion of the final report. Bondi had initially decided against public disclosure of the report's second volume due to concerns over the legality of Smith's appointment as special counsel. Cannon, who presided over Trump's prosecution in the documents case, ruled in July 2024 that Smith's appointment was unlawful and dismissed the charges. Although Smith appealed this decision, it ended following Trump's re-election in the White House.
In her ruling, Cannon noted that "Special Counsel Smith, acting without lawful authority, obtained an indictment in this action and initiated proceedings that resulted in a final order of dismissal of all charges." She emphasized the defendants' right to presumption of innocence under the U.S. constitutional order, stating that she would not take actions contradicting such protection unless instructed by law.
Cannon, who was appointed to the U.S. district court in South Florida during Trump's first term, also mentioned that the second volume encompasses "voluminous discovery" still subject to a protective order issued previously.
In a development during the ongoing case, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton's decision to halt the release of Special Counsel John Durham's report has been upheld. The ruling was made due to concerns over potential public disclosure of sensitive materials related to the case.
In her reasoning, Judge Walton stated that the release of the report could make large amounts of case-related material publicly available. She further argued that, historically, former special counsels have only released final reports at the conclusion of their work, either after deciding not to bring charges or following pleas or trials for guilt.
Judge Walton noted a lack of precedent for the release of a report following the initiation of criminal charges that did not result in a finding of guilt, especially in cases where defendants have contested the charges from the outset and maintained their innocence. Without Judge Walton's order, Durham's report was scheduled for public release on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Durham declined to comment, while the Justice Department and Mr. Trump's legal team did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last month, Mr. Trump and his legal team petitioned Judge Walton to issue an order blocking the release of the report by current, former, and future Justice Department officials. The Justice Department supported this request, stating that Durham's second report "should not be released outside of the Department of Justice."
In their argument, Mr. Trump's attorneys asserted that the potential public release of Volume II would constitute a violation of Judge Walton's constitutional rulings in the underlying criminal action and principles of the separation of powers. Separately, Justice Department lawyers claimed Durham's investigation was "unlawful from its inception." They alleged that Durham not only weaponized the Department of Justice against a leading presidential candidate but also did so without legal authority and while targeting constitutionally protected activity. Prosecutors continued by stating that Durham's tenure has been marked by an attempt to undermine democratic processes.
Title: Confidential Report on Trump Investigations Remains Sealed After Court Rulings
In a statement made this week, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the second volume of a two-part report detailing investigations into President Donald Trump, submitted by prosecutor Mark P. Smith before his departure in 2023, should remain confidential due to ongoing legal matters. The report had been the subject of numerous court proceedings since its submission, with various parties attempting to block or release portions of it.
Smith had brought two criminal cases against Mr. Trump in 2023. One case concerned an alleged attempt to subvert the transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election, while the other involved the president's handling of sensitive government documents post-his first term. Mr. Trump denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both cases were ultimately dropped after Mr. Trump secured another term in office.
The first volume of Smith's report was made public days before Mr. Trump's second inauguration, but the second volume has remained sealed due to legal proceedings involving individuals Nauta and de Oliveira. The Justice Department successfully requested the dismissal of the case against them last February, yet a previous court order by Judge Cannon had barred the release of the second volume.
In a court filing last March, the Justice Department, along with Nauta and de Oliveira, expressed that the second volume should not be released under any circumstances. The reasoning behind this remains undisclosed due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The current status of these proceedings and the future release of the second volume of the report remain unclear at this time.
Title: Voluminous Report Released by Smith Unveiled: Key Findings and Implications Detailed
In a significant development, Smith has published an extensive report detailing findings that could have far-reaching implications across various sectors. The report, spanning over 300 pages, delves into multiple areas of concern, aiming to shed light on complex issues and offer potential solutions.
The report's publication follows months of meticulous research and analysis by Smith, a renowned expert in the field. It aims to address key challenges and provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders worldwide.
The detailed document covers various topics, including economic trends, environmental concerns, social issues, and technological advancements. Notably, it offers a comprehensive assessment of each topic, backed by extensive data and research.
Among the report's key findings are predictions about future economic growth patterns, recommendations for sustainable environmental practices, and proposals for addressing social disparities. The report also highlights potential trends in technology and innovation that could impact various industries globally.
The release of this voluminous report has sparked widespread interest and debate among experts and the general public alike. As stakeholders digest its contents, discussions are expected to ensue on how best to implement the recommendations and harness the insights provided for the betterment of society.
This development underscores the importance of rigorous research and analysis in driving informed decision-making and shaping future policies. The report serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand complex issues and navigate the ever-evolving global landscape.
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