Judge Allows Release of Special Counsel Report on Trump’s Election Interference Case

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has authorized the Justice Department to release special counsel Jack Smith’s report on the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to interfere in the 2020 election.

The decision, issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, marks a significant development in the legal saga surrounding Trump. Cannon, who was appointed by Trump during his presidency, had previously halted the report's release temporarily but has now lifted that restriction.

The report focuses on Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, an issue at the heart of one of two criminal cases brought against him by Smith. While this volume will be made public, another report related to Trump’s handling of classified documents will remain sealed for now, as Cannon has scheduled a hearing for Friday to determine its potential release to lawmakers.

The Justice Department has stated it will keep the classified documents volume confidential as long as criminal proceedings involving two of Trump’s co-defendants remain ongoing.

Smith, appointed as special counsel to oversee the high-profile investigations into Trump, announced indictments last year, but some of the Justice Department’s cases were abandoned in November. The release of the election interference report could shed additional light on the evidence and legal reasoning behind the charges.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing in both cases, characterizing the investigations as politically motivated.

The ruling adds another layer to the legal and political challenges facing the former president as he continues to mount a campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.