Jim Schultz, former associate White House counsel under President Donald Trump, provided his analysis on CNN regarding the bombshell target letter sent by Special Counsel Jack Smith to the former president as part of the criminal probe into the January 6 Capitol riot. Schultz expressed that the target letter signifies a level of legal jeopardy for Trump and that it should be taken seriously.
He suggested that an indictment may be forthcoming, based on his observation that previous target letters were followed by indictments. Schultz also speculated that Trump is unlikely to testify in the investigation.
Trump himself announced on his Truth Social account that he is a target in the investigation and expressed his belief that he will be indicted for his involvement in the events of January 6. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins reported that the Trump team was caught off guard by the letter, but Schultz claimed that he anticipated its arrival as the investigation progressed and more individuals were called to testify before the grand jury.
Schultz further stated that he does not expect Trump to be charged with or convicted of inciting the riot due to potential First Amendment speech issues. Instead, he suggested that the charges may relate to conspiracy to commit fraud regarding the overturning of a valid election. Schultz mentioned the alleged scheme involving fake electors, attempts to pressure the former vice president, and potential efforts to replace the attorney general as factors that could form the basis of the case against Trump.
Schultz’s analysis provided insight into the potential legal implications for Trump in the ongoing investigation. However, it is important to note that his comments represent his own opinions and interpretations and do not reflect official statements or actions taken by Special Counsel Jack Smith or the Department of Justice. The investigation will continue to unfold, and the ultimate legal outcomes will be determined through the judicial process.
“Well, I mean, we saw it beginning to wrap up,” Schultz said. “As you are closer and closer to the inner circle, and more and more folks coming in to the grand jury — that’s a signal they’re coming to the close. So, the culmination of that is, they have sent him a target letter, and we don’t know who else has received, or if anyone else has received target letters associated with it.”
Schultz said he did not expect Trump to be charged with or convicted of inciting the riot due to “First Amendment speech issues.”
“I expect it has a lot to do with, perhaps, conspiracy to commit fraud in relating to the overturning of a valid election — you know there’s a number of factors — the fake electors scheme, and perhaps the trying to switch the attorney general out, pressure on the former vice president — there is a number of different things that can all culminate together to perhaps form their case,” Schultz said.
