Story perspectives

Trump Fights Release of Special Counsel Report Amid Criticism

12/17/2025

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Center

Trump Opposes Report Release

U.S. President Donald Trump opposes releasing Volume II of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted Trump amicus curiae status to express his opposition.
Chioma Chukwu of American Oversight criticized the effort, saying withholding the report undermines accountability.
The DOJ and Trump's co-defendants, Nauta and de Oliveira, filed motions to maintain the injunction.
The 11th Circuit set a 60-day deadline for Cannon to address the motions.

Right

Democrats Demand Report Release

House Democrats urge the DOJ to release unreleased portion of special counsel Jack Smith's report on President Donald Trump's handling of classified material.
Rep. Jamie Raskin criticizes Republicans seeking a closed-door meeting.
He argues the meeting would distort Smith's statements.
Republicans, represented by Russell Dye, say releasing report would mislead the public and invite partisan attacks.
A federal judge's January 2026 ruling will determine publication of the report's second volume.

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Trump Opposes Report Release

U.S. President Donald Trump opposes releasing Volume II of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted Trump amicus curiae status to express his opposition.
Chioma Chukwu of American Oversight criticized the effort, saying withholding the report undermines accountability.
The DOJ and Trump's co-defendants, Nauta and de Oliveira, filed motions to maintain the injunction.
The 11th Circuit set a 60-day deadline for Cannon to address the motions.

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