Days before Donald Trump's inauguration, the Justice Department unveiled the first volume of former Special Counsel Jack Smith's comprehensive report detailing his investigations into the former president. This volume centers on the election-related case against Trump.

Attorney General Merrick Garland released the report just after midnight on Tuesday, coinciding with the expiration of the court-imposed hold on its publication. In an introductory letter, Smith, who recently resigned from his position, refuted Trump's claims of political influence, emphasizing his adherence to the Principles of Federal Prosecution.

Smith's report strongly defends the decision to pursue criminal charges against Trump, asserting that the former president engaged in unlawful efforts to retain power after his 2020 election loss. The report also explains the Justice Department's decision to dismiss the case before Trump's upcoming inauguration, citing constitutional interpretations regarding the indictment and prosecution of a sitting president. This decision, according to the report, was not based on the merits of the case, which Smith's office firmly stands behind.

Trump responded to the report's release on Truth Social, characterizing Smith's findings as "fake" and criticizing the timing of the release.

Appointed in November 2022, Jack Smith oversaw investigations into Trump's handling of classified documents after leaving office and potential interference with the peaceful transition of power following the 2020 election. Smith brought charges against Trump in both cases, to which Trump pleaded not guilty.

The classified documents case was dismissed in July 2024 due to a ruling concerning Smith's appointment. Following Trump's 2024 election victory, the 2020 election interference case was also dismissed.

In the classified documents investigation, Trump faced 37 federal counts, including willful retention of national defense information. A superseding indictment added three more counts. In the 2020 election case, charges included conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding. Neither case proceeded to trial.

Despite legal challenges, Attorney General Garland upheld his commitment to releasing at least part of Smith's report.