Archive · 24 Jan 2026
US Says Jack Smith Report Belongs in Dustbin of History
There was a big investigation led by a person named Jack Smith about Donald Trump.
The investigation was about two things: Trump keeping secret documents he shouldn't have, and trying to change the results of the 2020 election.
The government says the investigation was not done properly and the report should not be made public.
Trump's lawyers agree and want to keep the report secret.
The report is currently sealed, and a judge will decide if it can be released.
The government says the investigation was unfair and should be forgotten.
Jack Smith, who led the investigation, says he did everything by the rules and that no one should be above the law.
The Justice Department argues that Jack Smith's report on investigations into Donald Trump should remain sealed, calling the investigation unlawful.
The report covers Trump's retention of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Both investigations led to indictments that were abandoned after Trump's 2024 election win due to legal opinions preventing federal prosecution of sitting presidents.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has temporarily blocked the release of the report, with the injunction set to lift on February 24.
Prosecutors allege that Smith's investigation was politically motivated and targeted constitutionally protected activity.
- Who
- Jack Smith, Donald Trump, Justice Department, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon
- What
- Controversy over the release of Jack Smith's report on investigations into Donald Trump
- When
- Ongoing, with a court filing on February 23, 2024
- Where
- United States, primarily Florida
- Why
- Justice Department and Trump's lawyers argue the report should remain sealed due to alleged unlawful investigation
- Report Author
- Jack Smith
- Subject of Investigation
- Donald Trump
- Investigation Topics
- Hoarding classified documents, efforts to overturn 2020 election
- Report Status
- Sealed, not released to public
- Justice Department Position
- Report should remain sealed, investigation was unlawful
- Trump's Legal Status
- Sitting president, cannot face federal prosecution
- Injunction Lift Date
- February 24
- Prosecutors' Allegation
- Smith weaponized DOJ against a presidential candidate