Former U.S. President Donald Trump would likely have been convicted of criminal charges tied to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election if not for his successful re-election in 2024, according to a newly released Justice Department report. The partially disclosed document, authored by Special Counsel Jack Smith, highlights what prosecutors deemed “sufficient evidence” to secure a conviction. However, constitutional protections for sitting presidents ultimately prevented the case from moving forward after Trump’s return to power.
The investigation centered on allegations that Trump knowingly spread false claims about election fraud, pressured officials to alter the results, and sought to exploit the January 6 Capitol riots to retain power. Despite facing multiple indictments during his time out of office, Trump’s victory in the 2024 election effectively nullified the legal proceedings under a Department of Justice (DoJ) policy that bars prosecuting a sitting president.
Smith, who oversaw the probe, defended his decision to pursue charges, stating that the case demonstrated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. In his report, he accused Trump of engaging in “unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power” through a campaign of misinformation and threats. The special counsel also emphasized the challenges investigators faced, including attempts by Trump to discredit witnesses and undermine the judicial process via social media.
Trump, however, dismissed the findings as politically motivated and mocked Smith’s inability to secure a trial before the election. Posting on his Truth Social platform, the president-elect declared, “The voters have spoken,” reiterating his claim of innocence. Trump’s re-election has not only halted the prosecution but also reignited debates about the limits of legal accountability for sitting presidents.
