Judge Aileen Cannon has allowed the release of Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s Jan. 6 case, set for after midnight Tuesday.
Cannon, known for her favorable rulings towards Trump, stated that Attorney General Merrick Garland can release the part of the report that discusses Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. This comes after a previous order expires.
Garland plans to release the report unless a higher court intervenes. As of now, there’s no news on whether Trump or anyone else is trying to block it.
Trump has already voiced his discontent about the report, claiming it will just be another attack from Smith, even before he’s seen it.
Additionally, Cannon has scheduled a hearing to discuss whether prosecutors can release another part of Smith’s report that relates to Trump’s classified documents case. Garland intends to share that with congressional leaders but keep it from the public.
It’s still unclear if the January 6 report will reveal any new details about Trump’s failed efforts to cling to power after losing to Biden.
Before Trump’s reelection, Smith was looking to pursue a narrower case against him regarding January 6, especially after the Supreme Court granted Trump immunity for actions taken while in office.
Smith eventually dropped the indictments against Trump in both the January 6 case and the classified documents case, following Department of Justice policies that prevent prosecuting sitting presidents.
Smith stepped down from his role as special counsel after submitting one report for each case.
Interestingly, Cannon had previously dismissed the classified documents case against Trump and two of his Mar-a-Lago staff, arguing that Smith’s appointment was improper. Smith dropped his appeal after Trump won the election.
Despite dismissing the case, Cannon surprised many by blocking the release of Smith’s report last week, citing concerns over the rights of Trump’s co-defendants in the documents case.
