Top GOP senators warn DOJ to preserve Jack Smith docs in Trump cases, citing ‘past destruction’ of records
Top Republican senators, Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson, are urging officials in the Department of Justice to preserve all records related to the investigation into President-elect Donald Trump by Special Counsel Jack Smith. In a letter addressed to Smith, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and FBI Director Christopher Wray, Grassley and Johnson emphasized the importance of ensuring that past mistakes, such as the destruction of federal records and political bias, are not repeated in this case.
The investigation led by Special Counsel Smith focused on Trump’s alleged possession of classified documents and federal election interference. Following Trump’s victory in the recent presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, Smith filed a motion to vacate all deadlines in the 2020 election interference case against Trump. While the case has not been officially dropped, Smith’s team plans to provide an updated report on its status on December 2.
Additionally, Smith filed a motion in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to halt his previous appeal in the classified documents case after it was dismissed by U.S. Judge Aileen Cannon. Grassley and Johnson highlighted the importance of preserving all records related to these cases to allow for an objective and independent review by Congress.
The senators referenced past instances where DOJ records revealed that cell phones of individuals on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team were “wiped” for various reasons during the probe into Trump. The devices were reportedly wiped due to forgotten passcodes, irreparable screen damage, loss of the device, intentional deletion, or other reasons before they could be reviewed.
Grassley and Johnson also pointed out that during the FBI’s investigation into Secretary Clinton’s mishandling of classified information, the FBI agreed to destroy any records not turned over to the investigatory team and to destroy laptops associated with Clinton’s staff. This history underscores the need to preserve all records related to the current investigation into Trump.
The Department of Justice has not yet responded to requests for comment on this matter. As the new administration prepares to take office, it is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in handling these sensitive investigations. Grassley and Johnson’s efforts to safeguard these records demonstrate a commitment to upholding the integrity of the justice system.
