Attorney Pam Bondi is advocating for the continued concealment of Volume II of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report regarding Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents. Bondi asserts that this section contains privileged and confidential information, therefore should not be released to the public. This legal move comes as Trump seeks to block the release of the files, citing concerns about sensitive grand jury materials and protected information. Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, is overseeing the case, while Smith testified about proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Trump’s guilt.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith, during a hearing before a Republican-led congressional committee, asserted that President Trump’s actions in the 2020 election conspiracy and classified documents cases clearly violated the law. Smith presented evidence demonstrating Trump’s criminal activity, emphasizing that his investigation was based solely on facts and not political motivations. Despite facing criticism from Republican lawmakers, Smith defended his pursuit of the cases, specifically highlighting Trump’s role in the January 6th attack and the mishandling of classified documents. Although indictments were won in both cases, the cases were abandoned due to existing legal opinions.
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In his first public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to bring criminal charges against Donald Trump. Smith stated that he stood by his decisions, asserting that the investigation revealed proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Trump’s criminal activity. He elaborated on the charges, mentioning Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the illegal retention of classified documents, including sensitive national security information stored in insecure locations. Smith emphasized his commitment to the rule of law, indicating that he would prosecute a former president based on the same facts today and that no one should be above the law.
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President Trump is seeking a court order to block the Justice Department from releasing the second volume of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report concerning the 2020 election and classified documents. The motion argues that the release would expose sensitive grand jury materials and privileged information. The first volume focused on election obstruction, while the unreleased second volume focuses on the handling of classified documents. Trump’s motion cites previous rulings that dismissed charges against him, and claims Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.
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Reports indicate that President Trump is overseeing the construction of a new, top-secret underground complex beneath the White House East Wing, replacing a decades-old facility dismantled during a recent demolition project. Citing national security concerns, the White House has defended the project in court, with plans for the new bunker expected to incorporate modern technology to withstand a range of threats. The exact details and costs of this subterranean work remain classified, but will ultimately be paid by taxpayers. The new facility will likely be designed to serve as a hardened command-and-control space during crises, similar to previous installations like the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC).
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In response to a request from Congressmen Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, the Justice Department stated that a judge does not have the authority to appoint an expert to oversee the release of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case. The congressmen, who are not parties to the criminal case, raised concerns about the slow release of documents, believing criminal violations have occurred, and sought the appointment of an independent monitor. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton argued that the court lacked the authority to grant such a request and noted that the release has been slowed by redactions to protect victim identities. The Justice Department, however, will provide an update regarding the progress of the documents soon.
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“The Illegal News” provides weekly analysis where law intersects with politics. Hosted by Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell, the show features legal experts who break down Trump-era court proceedings. The podcast aims to simplify complex legal matters, offering context for significant developments and highlighting less-publicized legal actions. While George Conway is pursuing other ventures, Longwell continues to provide coverage.
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Former special counsel Jack Smith is set to testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee next week, following a closed-door deposition in December regarding his investigations into Donald Trump. This public hearing was requested by Smith before the initial deposition, which focused on Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the mishandling of classified documents. During the closed-door deposition, Smith stated he could prove Trump’s “criminal scheme” beyond a reasonable doubt and that Trump was “the most culpable” in the election interference case. The upcoming hearing marks a significant development in the ongoing legal scrutiny of the former president.
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Newly released transcripts reveal that former special counsel Jack Smith was largely prevented from discussing his Mar-a-Lago classified documents investigation due to an injunction from U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. Smith, despite his willingness, avoided delving into the specifics of his final report, even declining to review it before his closed-door testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. He cited the fear of violating Cannon’s order as the primary reason for his reticence, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the court’s directives. Smith’s reluctance underscores the constraints imposed upon him by the ongoing legal challenges, even as the cases against Trump’s co-defendants have been dismissed.
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During a recent rally-style speech, former President Trump addressed the 2022 FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, focusing on the alleged search of First Lady Melania Trump’s personal items. Trump criticized the raid as “illegal and disgusting,” claiming agents went through his wife’s belongings. This commentary came amid an ongoing investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump also brought up the compensation claims against the federal government, proposing initially to give the awarded compensation to charity and then deciding against it.
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John Q. Hosedrinker