Early this morning, the U.S. Department of Justice released a pivotal report from Special Counsel Jack Smith, detailing extensive findings regarding former President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The report unequivocally condemns Trump’s actions as a series of criminal efforts to cling to power after losing to President Joe Biden.
In his report, Smith asserts that Trump engaged in a range of unlawful activities once it became clear he had lost the election. These actions included pressuring state officials to disregard legitimate vote counts, creating fraudulent slates of electors in multiple states, and attempting to coerce Justice Department officials and Vice President Mike Pence into violating their constitutional oaths. Most notably, on January 6, 2021, Trump incited an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in an effort to obstruct the certification of the election results.
Smith's findings emphasize that Trump’s claims regarding widespread voter fraud were “demonstrably false.” The report outlines how these falsehoods were part of a broader scheme to undermine democratic processes and subvert the peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of American democracy.
“This report represents a critical moment in our nation’s history,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “It highlights not only the rule of law but also the resilience of our democratic institutions in the face of unprecedented challenges.”
Despite the gravity of the evidence presented in Smith's report, legal proceedings against Trump were halted following his victory in the 2024 presidential election. The Justice Department cited longstanding policies that prohibit prosecuting a sitting president as the basis for discontinuing both criminal cases related to Trump's actions during and after the 2020 election.
In a letter accompanying the report, Smith emphasized his commitment to impartiality and integrity throughout the investigation. “Our team stood up for the rule of law,” he stated. “While we were unable to bring cases to trial due to circumstances beyond our control, I believe it is vital that we document these events for history.”