Jack Smith Isn’t Backing Down
AtlanticAug 17
The Facts
Special counsel Jack Smith on Tuesday filed a new version of the indictment accusing former Pres. Donald Trump of scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The new filing removed some charges — including allegations Trump attempted to influence the Justice Department to back his false allegations of election fraud — in order to coexist with a recent US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling that granted presidents broad immunity for official acts.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Trump must be held accountable for his attempts to overturn the results of the election, and Smith seems undeterred by SCOTUS' vague ruling over immunity for official acts. While it's still shameful that SCOTUS ruled the way it did in that case, at least Smith is showing that Trump's crimes sit outside of his presidential role.
Republican narrative
A judge ruled Smith was unconstitutionally hired and SCOTUS has ruled Trump is immune from prosecution for his official acts, yet nothing seems able to stop Smith from carrying out his Democrat-mandated election interference agenda. This case has no chance of being heard before the election, but Democrats are hoping any bit of interference will help them.