Washington D.C. is bracing for a high-stakes confrontation as Special Counsel Jack Smith prepares for a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill. Democrats are urgently calling for the full release of Smith’s report, specifically the portion detailing former President Trump’s handling of classified documents, fearing a deliberate attempt to control the narrative.
Representative Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the relevant committee, believes the complete report should speak for itself before Wednesday’s potentially contentious meeting. He argues that the reluctance to release the full findings stems from a fear of the embarrassing truths it contains, suggesting a calculated effort to shield the former president from scrutiny.
Smith submitted his comprehensive report to the Attorney General following the 2024 election. While the first volume, focusing on the investigation into the 2020 election results, was made public, the second volume – concerning the classified documents – remains sealed, fueling speculation and political maneuvering.
A key point of contention will likely be the collection of lawmakers’ phone records during the investigation. Reports indicate Smith’s team, utilizing the FBI, obtained thousands of records without the knowledge of those targeted, raising serious questions about the scope and methods employed.
Raskin anticipates Republicans will use the closed-door session to build a case against Smith himself, potentially leading to a politically motivated prosecution. He passionately advocates for a public hearing, citing the precedent set by previous special counsel testimonies, and accuses Republicans of seeking to manipulate selectively leaked statements.
Republicans defend the withholding of Volume II, citing a federal judge’s order that initially blocked its release and ongoing legal proceedings regarding its publication. They maintain the Attorney General is simply adhering to the court’s directive, with a final decision expected by January 2026.
The Department of Justice echoes this sentiment, arguing that releasing an incomplete review of the classified documents matter would invite partisan attacks and mischaracterizations. A DOJ official stated that releasing the second volume would be an attempt to justify a “smear” campaign against the current president.
Raskin dismisses these justifications, asserting the public deserves access to the full report. He acknowledges the difficulty in understanding the need for information that remains hidden, but insists transparency is paramount in such a sensitive investigation.
The situation has escalated into a battle over transparency and political motivations, with both sides digging in their heels. The fate of Volume II, and the full extent of Smith’s findings, hangs in the balance, promising continued tension and debate in the weeks and months to come.
