According to the Washington Examiner, special counsel Jack Smith made a highly anticipated appearance at the arraignment of former President Donald Trump in Miami, Florida, marking a significant moment as it was the first time the two came face to face since Smith’s appointment to investigate Trump’s handling of classified documents. Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November, Smith was tasked with leading the investigations into the documents as well as alleged efforts by Trump and his allies to undermine the 2020 presidential election results.
In a press conference held the day after Trump acknowledged his indictment in the classified documents case, Smith emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law. He stressed that the same set of laws applies to everyone, regardless of their position or influence. Smith firmly stated that adherence to the rule of law is a fundamental principle of the Department of Justice, setting an example for the entire nation and the world.
Smith’s presence at the arraignment carries significant weight, especially considering that Jay Bratt, the head of the Justice Department’s counterintelligence division, is listed as the sole lead attorney in the case. This departure from the norm is noteworthy, as previous high-profile special counsel investigations, such as Robert Mueller’s probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections, did not witness the special counsel making courtroom appearances or arguments. John Durham, who investigated the Department of Justice’s actions regarding the matter, appeared in court during the trial involving Michael Sussmann but did not argue. However, he played an active role in arguing the trial against Igor Danchenko.
As Trump entered the courtroom on Tuesday before a magistrate judge, he pleaded not guilty to the 37 criminal charges he faces. His plea pertains to various offenses, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding and concealing documents, and making false statements. Trump’s labeling of Smith as a “Trump Hating THUG” is indicative of the animosity between the two parties involved in the legal proceedings.
During the booking process, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, Trump’s co-defendant, Walt Nauta, had his mug shot taken. However, given Trump’s wide recognition, it was not expected that he would be subjected to the same process.
Smith said Friday that “we have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone” and insisted that “adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice, and our nation’s commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world.”
Smith’s indictment alleges that Trump knowingly and willfully mishandled classified documents after leaving the White House, resisting efforts to return them to the National Archives and Records Administration. The government’s claims state that the former president retained 31 sensitive defense documents, shared them with individuals lacking appropriate clearances on multiple occasions, and personally participated in the decision to withhold them.
