DOJ Withholds Key Trump Investigation File from Arizona AG

The U.S. Department of Justice has not shared its investigation findings regarding former President Donald Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. This information is particularly relevant as Trump prepares to take office for a second term on January 20.

Mayes has made multiple requests for the case file from special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation, including a final request just one week before Trump’s inauguration. Despite these efforts, the DOJ has not provided any documents to the Attorney General’s Office, as confirmed by spokesman Richie Taylor in a statement to the Arizona Mirror.

In a letter dated January 12, Mayes articulated that the information from the DOJ’s investigation would be critical in prosecuting the 18 individuals indicted in connection with Arizona’s controversial “fake elector” scheme. This case arose after a grand jury determined that these individuals had attempted to subvert the democratic process following Joe Biden’s victory in the state by approximately 10,000 votes.

Previously, the DOJ had withdrawn its election interference case against Trump after he was declared the winner of the presidential election in November. As Mayes noted, her second request for the DOJ’s documents came after the department had dismissed its case against Trump and was preparing to release Smith’s report, which Smith ultimately submitted shortly before leaving his position.

Among those indicted in Arizona’s case are all 11 individuals who falsely claimed to be electors for Trump. Notable figures include Kelli Ward, the former Arizona GOP chairman, and state senators Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern, both members of the Arizona Freedom Caucus. The indictment also encompasses several Trump campaign staffers and attorneys, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.

Mayes emphasized the importance of obtaining Smith’s file, stating that it would not only assist in holding accountable those involved but also potentially exonerate them. “I have held steadfast to prosecuting the grand jury’s indictment because those who tried to subvert democracy in 2020 must be held accountable,” she asserted.

When questioned about the potential impact of not acquiring the DOJ’s findings on the case against the fake electors, Taylor directed inquiries to Mayes’ letter seeking the documents. The outcome of this situation remains pivotal in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the actions taken during and after the 2020 presidential election.