Attorney General Merrick Garland voiced his staunch support for Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith on Wednesday, offering a broad defense while refraining from commenting on the specific allegations made against former President Donald Trump, Your Content has learned.
The indictment against Trump encompasses charges related to mishandling national security information and obstructing justice, and Garland’s remarks mark the first time he publicly addresses the case since its initiation by a federal grand jury, which leveled 37 felony counts against the former president.
Garland has been careful to distance himself from Smith’s investigation to avoid any perception of political motivation a claim that Trump and his allies persistently level against the Justice Department.
During a press conference unrelated to the case, Garland emphasized the appointment of Smith as a testament to the Justice Department’s commitment to independence and accountability.
Highlighting Smith’s extensive experience as a career prosecutor, Garland acknowledged the team of skilled prosecutors and agents assembled by Smith who share a dedication to upholding integrity and the rule of law.
Despite calls for further details on the charges, Garland declined to address them, suggesting that pertinent information will be disclosed through the court filings.
Meanwhile, Trump has not relented in his criticism, lambasting the Justice Department and the Biden administration while directing insults solely at Smith.
In a recent speech, Trump referred to Smith as a “deranged lunatic” and characterized the case as “the most evil, heinous abuse of power” in history.
He and his allies aim to portray Smith’s investigation an endeavor led by a seasoned prosecutor who has tackled cases involving war crimes, mobsters, and politicians from both major parties as evidence of a broader, politically motivated conspiracy to hinder Trump’s potential presidential bid in 2024.
Trump’s speech came shortly after his arraignment in Miami, where he faced charges ranging from willful retention of national defense information to obstruction of justice, withholding and concealing documents, and making false statements.
Additionally, Trump confronts charges related to his business affairs in New York, alongside several other ongoing criminal investigations.
According to prosecutors, Trump retained classified national security materials after leaving office, stored them in publicly accessible areas, refused to return them to the government, devised a plan to hide documents from his lawyers and the government, in violation of a federal subpoena, and knowingly shared classified documents with unauthorized individuals on two separate occasions, according U.S. News.
—
Your Content for the latest updates. Have a story or news tip? Contact our 24/7 newsroom at 833.336.8013 or e-mail our tip line: [email protected]