Special counsel who investigated Trump says his team ‘stood up for the rule of law’
SUMMARY
Special counsel Jack Smith defended his team’s work investigating Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, stating they “stood up for the rule of law.” In a report released on January 14, Smith expressed full support for his decision to pursue criminal charges against Trump. Despite Trump’s election win, Smith’s report was made public after a judge denied efforts to block its release. Although much of Trump’s actions were already well-documented, the report offers Smith’s detailed assessment of the investigation and attempted to defend against claims by Trump and his supporters that the inquiry was a politically motivated attack against a former president. Smith stated the importance of his team’s commitment to 'justice', stating in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, "I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters. I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters."
