Require Release Of Special Counsel Report In Trump Classified Documents Case

THE WITHHELD SPECIAL COUNSEL (JACK SMITH) VOLUME II MUST BE PRESERVED AND RELEASED As a constituent, I am writing because the public cannot be told to “just trust us” after an investigation of possible serious wrongdoing by a President. Volume II of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report covers the classified-documents investigation, but a district court is freezing its public release. If it stays secret indefinitely - or is destroyed - Americans will be left with rumors instead of an official, evidence-based account. THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES NATIONAL SECURITY AND EQUAL JUSTICE Volume II concerns allegations that after leaving office President Trump retained sensitive government documents at Mar-a-Lago, that officials sought their return, and that investigators examined possible concealment or obstruction. A lawful public version is needed so Congress and the public can understand the key facts and decide what reforms are required. THE PUBLIC MUST SEE HOW DEFENSE CLAIMS WERE TESTED Americans have heard defenses that the records were “personal,” were declassified, or could be lawfully kept by a former President. Americans have also heard claims that the investigation was unlawful or abusive. Volume II should explain what evidence was gathered and how those defenses were evaluated, with only legally required redactions. COURT CONTROL MUST NOT BECOME A PATHWAY TO PERMANENT SUPPRESSION OR DESTRUCTION I understand Rule 6(e) and classified-information limits must be respected. But they are not a license for blanket secrecy, and court control must not become a pathway to permanent suppression or any order permitting destruction of an official record. CONGRESS MUST USE OVERSIGHT TO SECURE THE REPORT AND ENSURE A LAWFUL PUBLIC VERSION IS MADE AVAILABLE I urge you to take these steps now: (1) Hold public hearings within 30 days on why Volume II remains withheld, the legal grounds asserted, and the preservation steps in place. (2) Compel secure transmission of Volume II to Congress through DOJ, by subpoena if necessary, so Congress can review it even if public release is restricted. (3) File an amicus curiae brief immediately supporting preservation of the report, opposing any order permitting destruction, and urging a lawful public release with narrow redactions. (4) Require DOJ to seek any court authorizations needed for a public version on a clear timetable, with narrow redactions required by Rule 6(e), classified-information rules, and privacy law, and to explain any continued withholding by specific legal basis. (5) Require a litigation hold and a verified chain-of-custody log, with National Archives coordination, and require written status updates to Congress until a public version is released. Please act now to ensure Americans receive verified findings and that the historical record is complete.