crime
Key Dossier Exposed in Trump’s Election Subversion Case
A federal judge has unsealed four exhibits related to special counsel Jack Smith’s immunity brief in Donald Trump’s election subversion case, shedding light on the evidence against the former president. This release, which comes after a week of delay due to Trump’s request, opens up critical insights into Trump’s actions post-2020 election.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected Trump’s last-minute request to postpone the release until after the November 5 election, ruling that the public deserves access to the evidence. She argued that keeping the materials sealed could be construed as actual interference in the electoral process.
The newly unsealed dossier comprises four volumes totaling 1,889 pages, although much of it remains redacted. It includes testimonies from interviews conducted by the House Select Committee on January 6 and excerpts from Mike Pence’s book, “So Help Me God.” The first volume alone contains 723 pages of testimony from individuals with direct communications with Trump during the critical period between the election and the Capitol riot.
Among the notable revelations, an unnamed White House valet recounted informing Trump that his speech at the Ellipse had been curtailed due to rioting at the Capitol. This interaction marked the earliest known moment when Trump was made aware of the violent events unfolding on January 6.
Additionally, an individual involved in discussions surrounding Trump’s “Green Bay Sweep” strategy revealed that they informed Trump of the plan’s constitutional flaws. The individual stressed that allowing the Vice President to declare electoral outcomes could lead to significant long-term ramifications, a point Trump reportedly acknowledged.
Former Republican Speaker of the Arizona House, Rusty Bowers, also provided testimony about the pressure he faced from Trump regarding the false elector scheme. During a call, Bowers was urged to convene a legislative session to decertify Arizona’s election results, but the promised evidence of fraud was never delivered.
The second volume of the dossier features 246 pages, highlighting Trump’s tweets post-election, which propagate unfounded claims of election fraud. These tweets are crucial in Smith’s argument that much of Trump’s behavior falls outside presidential immunity.
Smith’s third volume, encompassing 536 pages, presents statements from state election officials who asserted the integrity of the 2020 election amidst Trump’s claims. This volume also details the mechanics of the false elector scheme and notifications sent to governors regarding certification processes.
In the concluding appendix, Smith outlines Trump’s attempts to manipulate the electoral certification process on January 6. By leveraging Pence’s ceremonial role, Trump aimed to challenge the results from seven swing states, thereby reducing the overall number of electoral votes needed for a majority.
Given that substantial portions of the exhibits remain sealed, the timeline for the release of additional information remains uncertain. Judge Chutkan has set a date for Trump’s response on November 7 but has indicated he may submit his rebuttal sooner if he chooses.