Former President Donald Trump and his campaign have accused special counsel Jack Smith of violating Justice Department norms by revealing new information about efforts to overturn the 2020 election loss. However, a federal judge, not Smith, made the decision to release the information to the public. Trump has criticized this move as an attempt to influence the upcoming election.
The Justice Department typically observes a 60-day “quiet period” before an election to avoid influencing voters, but the judge ordered the release of the filing in an ongoing criminal case. The judge has made it clear that Trump’s presidential run will not impact the case.
The case involves indictments against Trump for attempting to weaponize the Justice Department for personal gain. The judge has ordered both parties to submit arguments about what conduct is presidential and what is private. Smith’s team has pursued a new indictment against Trump, prompting concerns about violating the 60-day rule.
Despite criticisms from Trump, legal experts argue that Smith’s team acted appropriately in pursuing the case and following proper procedures. The decision to seek a superseding indictment against Trump reflects the belief that he committed felonies related to the election.
Trump’s attacks on the Justice Department have offended federal prosecutors and undermined the institution. These actions have been compared to comments made by defendants in the Jan. 6 cases, indicating a lack of remorse and disrespect for the law.
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