Attorney General Merrick Garland will release special counsel Jack Smith's final report on Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, but its publication is facing legal challenges. The report, encompassing investigations into both election interference and handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, is slated to be released to the public, though its full contents may remain delayed.
Smith submitted the comprehensive report to Garland on Tuesday. However, a court order issued by Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily blocks its release pending appeals. Trump's lawyers, arguing this could cause "irreparable harm" to the former president, sought to halt the publication of all aspects of the report. They also argued for Attorney General Garland's removal of Special Counsel Smith.
The legal dispute centers on an attempt by Trump's co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lago case to block the entire report's release. These co-defendants have no connection to the Jan. 6 investigation.
Justice Department attorneys countered, arguing the Florida judge lacked the authority to impose a nationwide injunction against the report. They emphasized the report's significance for congressional oversight and the public interest.
Consequently, the Justice Department intends to release a redacted version of the Mar-a-Lago portion of the report to House and Senate judiciary committees. This is meant to maintain transparency while protecting the interests of the co-defendants.
The ongoing legal battles surrounding the report come amid Trump's ongoing legal challenges, including a request to the Supreme Court to postpone an upcoming sentencing in a hush-money case.
