Former President Trump's legal team said Tuesday that special counsel Jack Smith is seeking to release new witness testimony and evidence related to the Jan. 6, 2021, federal case that could sway the 2024 presidential election. he claimed.
The Republican candidate, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case, said the brief filed by Smith needed further redactions.
President Trump's lawyers said in court that “the real motive for the special counsel's office to disseminate the testimony of a witness it had previously sought to block is both clear and inappropriate.” filing on tuesday.
“Contrary to its judicial manual and the department’s long-standing norms in cases not involving President Trump, the Department of Justice has decided to use the I hope they will publish a manifesto based on their motives.
Trump has made similar claims before. His running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), slammed Smith's recent superseding indictment, calling it an “attempt to influence the election.”
Smith filed a superseding indictment in the election-subversion case in late August. The indictment contained the same charges, but some elements were removed in light of the Supreme Court's immunity decision.
In its decision, the Supreme Court held that the president has broad immunity for acts committed as part of his official duties. .
The decision to release the brief will be made by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan.
“The President's immunity application includes new allegations that have not yet been addressed in other politically motivated and inaccurate legal efforts improperly funded and disseminated by President Trump's opponents. “It would be irresponsible for prosecutors to so quickly abandon security and privacy interests,” Trump said, adding that they had previously said they were placing heavy emphasis on this case and the Southern District of Florida. his lawyer said.
“Accordingly, the court finds that the consistent redactions of identity-related information and the proposed release of a large number of allegedly sensitive witness statements pose a risk to potential witnesses and would be unfair to the decision in this case. “The agency should be required to show why it has no negative impact.''
