Staff Reports
A federal judge just stepped in to hit ‘pause’ on Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report about President-elect Trump and his alleged misadventures with secret records and the 2020 election. The ruling comes after Trump’s co-defendants, Nauta and De Oliveira, scrambled to halt what was meant to be Smith’s grand finale. It seems like some folks are not quite ready for Smith’s version of events to hit the spotlight, and frankly, who can blame them?
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, hailing from the sunny Southern District of Florida, decided to take action to ensure that Smith doesn’t spill any beans outside the Department of Justice, at least for the next few days. In a classic case of judicial caution, Cannon noted that the release of such a report could inflict “irreparable harm.” One has to wonder what kind of “harm” the judge had in mind. Would it involve mass hysteria among Democrats as the election narrative gets twisted like a pretzel? It’s hard to say.
Jack Smith faces a major setback as court delays the release of his controversial final report, citing his unconstitutional appointment and potential harm to ongoing cases. pic.twitter.com/ShcTODFZZZ
— Robert Gouveia Esq. (@RobGouveiaEsq) January 8, 2025
This suspension allows for a little breathing room, as it will remain in effect for three days following the forthcoming decision from the 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals. Somehow, the idea of a special counsel’s report turning into a town crier’s bell seems somehow wrong, especially when one considers the norms around treating sitting presidents – and one that will soon be back in office. The Justice Department is already doing its routine dance, wherein they’ll sit on any findings before handing them over to Attorney General Merrick Garland, because of course, we can’t have any premature revelations.
In a show of legal bravado, Trump’s lawyers penned a passionate letter to Garland, crying out against the impending disclosure of Smith’s findings. They asserted that unveiling the report would be a blatant intrusion into the transition of power. Imagine that—attempting to keep the legal juggling from becoming a circus act! The lawyers made it very clear; they believe it should be Trump’s administration deciding what goes public, an argument that seems perfectly reasonable given the circumstances.
Their fervor didn’t end with just a plea; they went so far as to suggest Garland give Smith the ax before Trump even settles into office. It seems this isn’t simply a legal maneuver; it’s a full-on battle to control the narrative in Washington. The Attorney General’s office, despite any political pressure, has chosen to remain tight-lipped amidst all this drama. As it stands, Smith’s classified report is set to take its sweet time in reaching Garland’s desk—rumored to be by Tuesday afternoon, not a minute sooner. One can only imagine how the political gossip mills will churn in the meantime.
