Special counsel Jack Smith has been diligently working on an investigation into the 2020 election's certification, summoning testimony from dozens of individuals and utilizing a grand jury to hear from witnesses.
The tension rises as the shadow of a potential third indictment against a presidential figure draws near.
Smith, assigned this critical role in November, has focused his inquiries on those who were in close association with former President Donald Trump, including family members such as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, key assistants, and legal advisors.
The probe also extends to those who may have felt Trump's pressure or anger following the election outcome.
Special Counsel Jack Smith Suns Nation
The investigation could result in several indictments, but information emerging about secret grand jury subpoenas and the meetings with prosecutors points towards Trump being Smith's primary concern. Trump himself highlighted this focus by publicizing a target letter he received, typically a prelude to an impending indictment.
According to Trump, the letter invited him to meet with the grand jury within four days, an opportunity he articulated in a statement. Trump, positioning himself as the 2024 GOP presidential front-runner, responded strongly, emphasizing his right to question an election he believes was "Rigged and Stolen."
Smith's specific mission, as entrusted by Attorney General Merrick Garland, is to continue the Department of Justice's existing investigation into any unlawful actions connected with the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the Electoral College vote.
There were rumors that Smith's Washington-based grand jury might issue an indictment, but it never materialized. Trump later wrote on Truth Social about a "productive meeting" with the DOJ, noting no notice or indication was provided during that session.
Among those called into the investigation are Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump. Kushner complied with a subpoena, testifying in June that he believed Trump genuinely felt the election was "stolen." The grand jury was keen to understand if Trump privately accepted his defeat while publicly declaring victory.
Ivanka, who served as an advisor to the former president, was also subpoenaed, but as of yet, she has not testified. The growing list of subpoenas and the constant meeting of the grand jury signal that the investigation is far from over, with the possibility of significant legal action on the horizon.
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