Following a court-ordered search in August 2022, the Department of Justice returned approximately 15 boxes of documents to President Trump in Florida. These boxes, previously seized from Mar-a-Lago and containing personal items, had been stored at the National Archives. The classified documents case against Trump, which included charges related to the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice, was dropped in November 2024 after he won re-election. Trump claims the seizure was a politically motivated attack.
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The Justice Department has ended its appeal of the dismissal of charges against Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, two co-defendants in the classified documents case against Donald Trump. This decision, aligning with the co-defendants’ wishes, effectively concludes the criminal cases against all three men. A federal judge previously dismissed the charges, ruling that the special counsel’s appointment was unconstitutional. The DOJ’s action follows the dropping of charges against Trump himself after his election victory.
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A federal judge blocked the Justice Department from releasing to Congress the portion of Jack Smith’s report detailing his classified documents investigation of President Trump. Judge Aileen Cannon granted a request from Trump’s co-defendants, citing concerns that the release would prejudice their ongoing criminal proceedings. She rejected the Justice Department’s argument that releasing the report was a historical practice, emphasizing the lack of congressional subpoenas or pending legislation related to the report. The judge found the Department’s justification insufficient and determined that congressional access would likely lead to public dissemination of sensitive information.
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House Judiciary Democrats, led by Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, urged Attorney General Garland to release the unreleased portion of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on President Trump’s handling of classified documents. They argue that the public’s right to know outweighs concerns about ongoing prosecutions of Trump’s co-defendants, suggesting dismissing those charges as a solution to ensure transparency. This recommendation stems from fears that Trump would halt the prosecutions and suppress the report if re-elected. The Justice Department has yet to respond to this request. The first volume of the report detailed Trump’s actions leading up to the January 6th Capitol attack and his promotion of false election fraud claims.
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Special counsel Jack Smith’s decision to appeal the dismissal of the Trump classified documents case should be making headlines. This appeal, which is expected to be heard in the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta, marks a critical moment in a case shrouded in controversy and legal intricacies. With the likelihood of the appeal reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, the stakes are incredibly high.
The role of special prosecutors has a long history, dating back to 1875. However, the lack of regulations surrounding their use raises questions about the extent of their authority. The recent dismissal of the case by Judge Aileen Cannon has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the possibility of bad-faith decisions.… Continue reading
Aileen Cannon might actually get herself kicked off the Trump classified docs case. The mere thought of this possibility brings a mix of hope and skepticism. Many are fervently wishing for this outcome, seeing it as a chance for justice to prevail. The arguments against her involvement in the case are strong and compelling. The potential risks of real-world harm and witness intimidation are not to be taken lightly, especially given the high-stakes nature of this particular case.
We find ourselves in a situation where the handling of classified documents and the prospect of witness intimidation are looming large. The idea that a judge appointed by the President could oversee a case involving said President seems inherently flawed.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker