HISTORY: The public should be able to see portions of a grand jury special report on Donald Trump’s efforts to overthrow Georgia’s 2020 presidential election…a state judge ruled Monday.
But not all.
According to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, recommendations about whether charges should be filed remain classified.
County District Attorney Fani Willis formed the special grand jury shortly after a phone call in January 2021, in the final days of Trump’s tenure.
WILLIS: “The Trump investigation is ongoing…”
Trump urged Georgia’s top election officials to “find” enough votes to give him the critical swing state.
The special jury report could potentially serve as the basis for an indictment against Trump that would make him the first former president in US history to face criminal prosecution.
McBurney said the introduction, conclusion and a portion of the report in which the jury discusses concerns about witnesses who may be lying under oath should be released.
Senior Trump advisers such as Attorney Rudy Giuliani and US Senator Lindsey Graham were among the 75 witnesses the jury heard testify for about seven months.
Trump was not subpoenaed and did not testify.
He has denied wrongdoing and has accused Willis – an elected Democrat – of targeting him for political reasons.
The Georgia investigation is just one of several civil and criminal investigations threatening him, his family and his associates.
TRUMP: “America’s comeback is starting right now…”
Meanwhile, Trump’s bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination is already underway.
WILLIS: “Decisions are imminent…”
It’s up to Willis to decide whether to press charges.
Last month she said decisions were “imminent”.
At the time, she said she did not want the report made public, adding that future defendants could argue that unsealing would violate their right to a fair trial.
The district judge says prosecutors will have a few days to discuss with him whether further redactions are needed … with the selected parts due to appear on Thursday.
