In January 2025, Special Counsel  Jack Smith released a comprehensive report detailing his investigation into former President Donald J. Trump's actions following the 2020 election. The report concluded that Trump engaged in a deliberate and criminal effort to overturn the election results, which would have likely led to his conviction had he not been re-elected in 2024.  

 

 Key Findings of the Report: 

 

 False Claims of Election Fraud:  Trump persistently disseminated unsubstantiated allegations of widespread voter fraud, despite being informed by senior officials that these claims were unfounded. 

 

 Pressure on State Officials:  He attempted to persuade state officials to disregard certified vote counts and appoint alternative electors favorable to him. 

​

Influence on the Justice Department: Trump sought to involve the Justice Department in legitimizing his false claims and pressuring officials to support his narrative. 

 

Incitement of the January 6 Capitol Attack:  The report details how Trump's actions and rhetoric contributed to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, aiming to disrupt the certification of the electoral results.  

 

Despite the substantial evidence gathered, the report acknowledges that the Department of Justice's policy prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president. Consequently, with Trump's re-election in 2024, the pursuit of legal action was halted. Special Counsel Smith emphasized that, absent this policy, the evidence would have likely led to a conviction. 

The release of this report underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in holding a sitting president accountable for actions that may undermine democratic processes.

 

You can read the full official report by clicking on the PDF below.  It is available for download too.