Rep. Balint Questions Special Counsel Jack Smith on Trump Investigations and Gag Order

Special Counsel Report Publication

• ⚖️ Special Counsel Jack Smith stated that the Attorney General has the authority to determine if a special counsel's report is made public.
• 🏛️ While Special Counsel Mueller's and Herr's reports were made public, Smith was unsure about the completeness of Mueller's and did not know about Weiss's.
• 🚫 Smith indicated that a gag order issued by Judge Aileen Cannon prevents him from discussing findings not already public, specifically regarding Volume 2 of the Trump classified documents investigation.
• 📅 The gag order was cited due to pending cases against Trump's co-defendants, but these cases are no longer pending, suggesting no current reason for the information to remain private.

Trump's Attacks and Intimidation Tactics

• 🗣️ President Trump has publicly attacked Jack Smith, calling him a "disgrace to humanity," a "radical left Marxist," and a "criminal," using the phrase "deranged Jack Smith" 185 times on Truth Social.
• 🛡️ Smith believes these statements are intended to intimidate him and his staff, serving as a warning to others who might hold Trump accountable.
• ⚖️ Smith affirmed that he and his team followed department policy, facts, and the law, resulting in proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Trump's commission of serious crimes, and he will not be intimidated.
• 😨 Smith expressed concern that Trump's Department of Justice might attempt to indict him, believing they are "ordered to by the president."

Political Playbook and Accountability

• 📣 The discussion highlighted Trump's alleged playbook: complain loudly, generate hatred, and hope followers act without explicit orders, drawing parallels to the events of January 6th.
• 🇺🇸 Representative Balint expressed shame that Smith, after 30 years of service, has not received his "due," thanking him for his service on behalf of Vermont.