Lawyers representing Donald Trump have raised concerns over a draft of special counsel Jack Smith's final report on federal investigations into the president-elect. They have threatened legal action if the report is released, as per a letter included in court filings from Trump's former co-defendants.
In the filings, the co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, have requested Judge Aileen Cannon to block the release of the report. They argue that Smith lacks the authority to release the report due to previous rulings deeming his appointment as special counsel unlawful.
Trump's attorneys have reviewed the draft report and have informed Attorney General Merrick Garland of their objections. They claim the report presents a one-sided narrative alleging the defendants committed the crimes charged in the case.
The defense lawyers expressed dissatisfaction with the level of redactions in the draft report they reviewed over the weekend. They are seeking advance notice of the report's release to take appropriate legal action.
While the Justice Department plans to provide lawmakers with the report, redactions will be made in accordance with department policy. The defense attorneys argue that releasing the report would prejudice their clients, especially since the criminal prosecution against them could be revived.
Nauta and De Oliveira have requested an emergency hearing on the matter, citing concerns about the potential impact of the report on their cases. They claim that releasing the report would violate criminal justice norms and constitutional principles.
The Justice Department is appealing a ruling that deemed Smith's appointment unconstitutional. The prosecution of Nauta and De Oliveira has been transferred to the US attorney's office in South Florida.
