Trump’s ex-codefendants want judge to block release of Jack Smith report

Two of President-elect Trump’s former co-defendants in the classified documents case are seeking to block the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report to the public. Walt Nauta, Trump’s valet, and Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, have filed an emergency motion asking U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to keep the report confidential.

The report, which is expected to be released in the coming days, has been described as one-sided and slanted by Nauta and De Oliveira’s attorneys. They argue that Smith, who is set to resign before Trump takes office, no longer has access to the materials he used in his investigation, making the release of the report improper.

According to the motion, Nauta and De Oliveira’s criminal cases are still pending appeal, and there is a threat of future proceedings that could be prejudiced by the dissemination of the report. The attorneys also claim that Smith’s plan to release the report is unlawful and encroaches on the Executive authority of the incoming Administration.

Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, has urged Attorney General Merrick Garland not to release the report, citing concerns about Smith’s conduct and political motivations. Blanche argues that no report should be prepared or released, and Smith should be removed for suggesting otherwise.

Smith was appointed by Garland to investigate allegations of election interference and the possession of classified documents by Trump and his allies. While the prosecution decision is immaterial due to Trump’s status as president-elect, Garland will review Smith’s findings before deciding whether to share them publicly.

Garland has previously released reports from other special counsels during his tenure, but it remains unclear whether he will do the same with Smith’s findings. The sensitivity of the information and Trump’s status as president-elect may influence Garland’s decision on whether to make the report public.

In conclusion, Nauta and De Oliveira are seeking to prevent the release of Smith’s report, citing concerns about its accuracy and potential prejudice to their pending cases. Trump’s attorney has also raised objections to the release, arguing that it would be unlawful and undermine the transition process. The decision on whether to make the report public ultimately rests with Attorney General Garland.