Court Allows DOJ to Release Trump Report

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Justice Department can release a report by special counsel Jack Smith on President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, with a three-day delay for further appeals. This report could provide a public accounting of Smith's election interference investigation, which was previously dismissed following Trump's election due to DOJ policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Attorney General Merrick Garland has committed to releasing the election-related volume of the report once legally permitted, though the volume relating to classified documents will remain private until cases involving Trump's co-defendants are resolved. This legal battle centers on the validity of Smith's appointment and the potential prejudice to ongoing proceedings against Trump's co-defendants. Trump’s legal team is actively challenging the report's release, arguing that it could negatively impact his transition to power.