Jack Smith's Indictment Against Trump: A Judicial Stalemate

U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith accused Donald Trump of a 'criminal effort' to remain in power post-2020 electoral defeat. Legal challenges, Trump's electoral return, and a Justice Department policy against prosecuting sitting presidents foiled the trial. Trump's cases led to accusations of political bias.

U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith concluded that Donald Trump engaged in an 'unprecedented criminal effort' to hold onto power following his 2020 election loss. Smith's findings accuse Trump of plotting to obstruct vote collection and certification after losing to Democratic President Joe Biden, culminating in a four-count indictment.

Smith claimed sufficient evidence for a conviction, yet was unable to proceed to trial due to Trump's impending presidency in January. Facing rigorous criticism from Trump, Smith defended his probe, dismissing claims of political bias as 'laughable.' Trump responded by labeling Smith a 'lamebrain prosecutor' on social media.

The report also alleges Trump illegally retained sensitive national security documents post-White House. Though the Justice Department withheld public access to these findings amid ongoing legal proceedings, the report details Trump's use of false election fraud claims and attempts to influence state lawmakers and electoral processes post-2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)