Staff Reports
Jack Smith, the special counsel designated by Merrick Garland to investigate former President Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents, gave a stern warning to reporters gathered at a press conference on Friday. Smith emphasized that our nation must maintain one set of laws for everyone, and the laws governing national defense information must be enforced to avoid putting our country’s safety and security at risk. In addition, Smith urged Americans to read the unsealed indictment filed against Trump to comprehend the scope and gravity of the charged crimes. Smith also stated that the DOJ will try and move forward with a speedy trial; however, Trump’s team may waive that right to gain more time to build a defense.
Trump Special Counsel Insists There's 'One Set of Laws' That 'Apply to Everyone' https://t.co/yNemyI3cVb
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 9, 2023
The charges against former President Donald Trump were more than 35, ranging from the willful retention of national defense information to concealing, corruptly concealing, and withholding records or documents. Additionally, new photos were released, revealing Mar-a-Lago, where allegedly classified materials were found stacked around a toilet in a bathroom sporting a splendid chandelier, among other locations.
Special Counsel Jack Smith: "This indictment was voted on by…citizens in the southern district of Florida & I invite everyone to read it in full to understand the scope & the gravity of the crimes charged…Our laws that protect national defense information…must be enforced." pic.twitter.com/0jzLBdtU0X
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) June 9, 2023
Special Counsel Jack Smith: Attorneys working for him "have investigated…to the highest ethical standards…It's very important…to note…defendants…must be presumed innocent…My office will seek a speed trial…consistent w/…public interest & the rights of the accused" pic.twitter.com/5TDvmhkafz
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) June 9, 2023
Color photos from the Trump indictment: pic.twitter.com/uYS1FPuecH
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) June 9, 2023
Smith emphasized that it is crucial to note that the accused in this case must be assumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, such a presumption has rarely, if ever, been granted to President Trump during previous inquiries. The special counsel seemed confident that the government would present its case to a jury of citizens and seek a conviction.
It is worth noting that this is the first instance in which a former president has been indicted on federal charges. Smith did not mention the fact that the presidential position involves significant powers that make this case unique and unlike any other that has been submitted on similar charges.
