On January 14, 2025, special counsel Jack Smith released a pivotal report outlining Donald Trump's attempts to interfere with the 2020 election, asserting that there was substantial evidence for a conviction had Trump not been president-elect.

The investigation, which spanned over two years and cost more than $35 million, faced numerous challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling in the summer of 2024, ultimately resulting in the decision to drop the cases after Election Day.

While the report concludes that prosecution could not proceed, it emphasizes the significant principles upheld during the investigation for the rule of law.

The 140-page report reinforces findings from a 2022 congressional inquiry and previous court filings, while also providing new insights into the legal considerations surrounding the case.

Investigators conducted extensive evidence collection, including 250 interviews and information from 55 grand jury witnesses, to compile the report.

The delay in legal action against Trump was largely due to Attorney General Merrick Garland's cautious approach, which allowed Trump's legal team to stall proceedings.

Despite aides urging him to intervene during the Capitol riot, Trump reportedly chose to watch the events unfold on television for several hours.

Trump has indicated intentions to pardon individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 attack, where over 1,580 defendants have been charged.

Attorney General Merrick Garland plans to allow bipartisan leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to review the report privately under confidentiality agreements.

The second volume of the report, which focuses on Trump's handling of classified documents, remains sealed due to ongoing legal proceedings involving his co-defendants.

Cannon, the presiding judge, is currently blocking the release of the classified documents portion of the report, pending a full briefing and hearing.

In related news, California is grappling with dangerous winds that could worsen ongoing wildfires near Los Angeles, where the death toll has reached at least 24.