Special Counsel Details Trump’s Alleged Efforts "To Retain Power"
Attorney General Merrick Garland has released special counsel Jack Smith's report on the investigation into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The 130-page document, submitted to Congress and made public after a court-ordered hold expired, details Trump's alleged “criminal efforts to retain power”. It highlights his attempts to pressure state officials, advance a fraudulent electors plan, and obstruct the peaceful transfer of power. Smith’s team stated Trump knowingly used false claims of election fraud to subvert the election results. Despite setbacks he defended the decision to charge Trump, emphasizing the importance of protecting electoral integrity and the peaceful transfer of power. The report acknowledges that Smith’s office considered additional charges and investigated co-conspirators but ultimately charged only Trump. It also outlines the challenges posed by Trump’s public statements and social media posts targeting witnesses and officials, which led to a gag order. Trump dismissed the report as “fake findings” and claimed exoneration, which Smith refuted, stating his office fully stands behind the merits of the case. Smith emphasized that his office adhered to Justice Department policies to avoid influencing the 2024 election and focused solely on upholding the law. The release of volume two of the report, covering the classified documents investigation, remains blocked by a court order.
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The report, arriving just days before Trump is to return to office on Jan. 20, focuses fresh attention on his frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020.
