BREAKING: UPDATE from Jack Smith on Trump prosecution

Summary

The discussion centers on Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigations into Donald Trump, including his handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Glenn and Brian discuss the potential for Smith’s investigation to lead to a report similar to the Mueller report, outlining the full scope of evidence against Trump. They also touch on the possible repercussions for Smith under a future Trump administration, emphasizing the challenges of accountability. The conversation concludes with speculation about Smith's future and the possibility of international legal action if the U.S. fails to prosecute.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jack Smith is winding down his criminal investigations into Donald Trump, which could lead to a significant report on his findings.
• 😀 Trump has promised to fire Jack Smith if he returns to office, prompting Smith to release his findings before any potential termination.
• 😀 The special counsel's report will detail evidence of crimes committed by Trump and his associates, particularly regarding the handling of classified documents and attempts to steal the 2020 election.
• 😀 Public court filings are only a small fraction of the evidence Jack Smith possesses regarding Trump's actions, with the full report expected to be extensive and eye-opening.
• 😀 Despite overwhelming evidence, there are concerns that Trump may avoid accountability due to political interference and the failure of a criminal trial conviction.
• 😀 There is a risk that the Trump Administration will attempt to bury or manipulate Smith’s report, similar to the handling of the Mueller report.
• 😀 Jack Smith is legally protected from any retribution as long as he continues to operate within the bounds of the law, as he was lawfully appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland.
• 😀 Trump’s vow for revenge against political enemies raises concerns about potential illegal actions against figures like Jack Smith, although such acts would face legal challenges.
• 😀 The federal judiciary, including Trump-appointed judges, is expected to act as a safeguard against unlawful actions from the Trump Administration, such as vindictive prosecutions.
• 😀 Jack Smith's past work with the International Criminal Court (ICC) could influence his future career, but the U.S. is not part of the ICC, limiting its jurisdiction over U.S. leaders.
• 😀 If Smith's investigations are dismissed or obstructed under the Trump Administration, there remains a possibility for future DOJ action to revive the cases.

Q & A

What is Jack Smith's role in the investigation of Donald Trump?

Jack Smith is the Special Counsel appointed to investigate Donald Trump's alleged crimes, including his handling of classified documents and his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Why is Jack Smith's work significant for Donald Trump and his legal battles?

Jack Smith's investigations are crucial because they focus on serious charges against Trump, including obstruction of justice, violations of national security laws, and attempting to subvert the election results. His findings could play a key role in holding Trump accountable for these alleged crimes.

What is the significance of the report Jack Smith is working on?

Jack Smith is preparing a report summarizing his investigation, similar to the Mueller report. This report will document the evidence of Donald Trump's alleged crimes and could be a crucial document for public and legal understanding, especially if Trump attempts to distort the facts.

What is the potential impact of Donald Trump's re-election on Jack Smith's investigations?

If Donald Trump is re-elected, he has indicated he would seek revenge against those investigating him, including Jack Smith. Trump has vowed to fire Smith and potentially use government power to retaliate, which could affect the ongoing investigations.

What legal protections does Jack Smith have in his role as Special Counsel?

As Special Counsel, Jack Smith operates under the authority granted by the Department of Justice, with judicial oversight ensuring his actions are lawful. If the rule of law is followed, Smith has legal protections from any retaliatory actions by Trump or his allies.

How could Trump potentially misuse government power in retaliation against Jack Smith?

Trump could potentially use his power as president to pursue vindictive actions against his political enemies, including Jack Smith, by abusing the justice system, such as through baseless prosecutions or investigations into those involved in investigating him.

What could be the consequence if Trump tries to retaliate against Jack Smith using government resources?

If Trump attempts to retaliate using government resources, it could backfire, as the judiciary, including federal trial court judges, is likely to act as a check against any unlawful actions. Trump could waste political capital and resources on efforts that might lead to legal defeats.

Is there any possibility of Jack Smith continuing his work internationally if the U.S. fails to prosecute Trump?

Jack Smith could potentially continue his work under international jurisdiction, such as with the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the U.S. is not a member of the ICC, so Smith would face limitations unless the U.S. changes its stance or joins the ICC.

What role does the federal judiciary play in preventing Trump's abuse of power?

The federal judiciary, including judges appointed by Trump, plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law. They act as a safeguard against unlawful actions, ensuring that Trump cannot easily misuse his power for political retribution or vindictive prosecutions.

What is the likelihood that Jack Smith's investigations will lead to charges against Trump?

While the investigations into Trump's actions are thorough, there is uncertainty about whether they will lead to charges or a conviction. The political and legal landscape makes it difficult to predict whether accountability will be achieved, especially if future administrations choose not to pursue the cases.