Trump-Russia Investigation: Grand Jury Proceedings Ordered by Justice Department

Clinton Campaign Allegedly Planned to Link Trump to Russia, Newly Declassified Documents Suggest

Washington D.C. – A recently declassified appendix to Special Counsel John Durham’s examination into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe has reignited debate surrounding the 2016 election, revealing allegations that Hillary Clinton’s campaign considered a strategy to discredit Donald Trump by associating him with Russia.

The 29-page document, released by Senator Chuck Grassley, details a March 2016 memo from a US intelligence source claiming Clinton approved a plan to portray trump as a Kremlin asset. The appendix also cites perhaps compromised emails allegedly obtained by hackers linked to russian intelligence, purportedly from an employee of a non-profit organization connected to liberal donor George Soros.

One email, dated july 26, 2016, appears to be from Leonard Benardo, a senior vice president at George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, and references Clinton foreign policy advisor Julianna Smith. It reads: “Julie says it will be a long-term affair to demonize Putin and Trump. Now it is good for a post-convention bounce. Later the FBI will put more oil into the fire.”

While political smears are not inherently illegal, the email has fueled claims from Trump allies that federal investigators may have been involved in a coordinated effort. However, Durham’s investigation did not uncover evidence of an FBI conspiracy.

Both Benardo and Smith were interviewed by Durham’s team. Benardo stated he did not recall drafting the email, though acknowledged some of the language sounded familiar.Smith said she had no recollection of receiving the email.

Crucially, Durham’s appendix makes no determination regarding the authenticity of the emails, leaving open the possibility they were fabricated or altered by Russian actors.

This latest progress comes after Durham’s full 306-page report, published in 2023, criticized the initial FBI probe into Trump’s campaign, finding it lacked “analytical rigor” and relied on unverified intelligence.

US intelligence agencies previously confirmed Russian interference in the 2016 election through social media manipulation and the hacking of Democratic emails. However, they concluded the impact of this interference was likely limited and did not alter the election outcome.

The re-emergence of these allegations adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious “Russiagate” saga, which dominated the first half of Trump’s presidency and saw both former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey subjected to scrutiny – and ultimately, no criminal charges – related to the investigation. Both Brennan and Comey have consistently denied wrongdoing,accusing Trump of obstructing justice.

What specific actions related to the 2020 election are currently under inquiry by the grand jury?

The Scope of the Grand jury Investigation

The Department of Justice’s renewed focus on the Trump-Russia investigation, signaled by recent grand jury proceedings, centers around potential attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and the events leading up to the January 6th Capitol attack. this isn’t a re-examination of the original allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election, but rather a probe into actions taken after the 2020 election. Key areas of scrutiny include:

False claims of Election Fraud: The dissemination of demonstrably false claims regarding widespread voter fraud.

Pressure on State Officials: Attempts to coerce state election officials into altering vote counts or invalidating election results. Specifically,Georgia’s election results have been a focal point.

The January 6th Insurrection: The planning, funding, and execution of the events of January 6th, 2021.

Potential obstruction of Justice: Any efforts to impede the investigation into the 2020 election or the January 6th attack.

These proceedings represent a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the former president and his allies. The use of a grand jury allows prosecutors to compel testimony and gather evidence under oath, potentially leading to indictments.

Key Figures Under Scrutiny

While the Justice Department has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, several individuals have been identified as potential targets or witnesses. These include:

Donald Trump: The former president remains a central figure, with his actions and statements before, during, and after the 2020 election under intense scrutiny.

Rudy Giuliani: Trump’s former attorney, known for aggressively promoting false claims of election fraud.

Mark Meadows: trump’s former Chief of Staff, involved in efforts to challenge the election results.

John Eastman: A lawyer who allegedly devised a legal strategy to overturn the election.

Jeffrey Clark: A former Justice Department official who allegedly attempted to use the department to support false claims of election fraud.

The grand jury has reportedly issued subpoenas to a wide range of individuals, including campaign officials, lawyers, and those involved in organizing rallies and events leading up to January 6th. The investigation is also examining the role of various organizations and groups that actively promoted disinformation about the election.

Legal Framework and Potential Charges

the legal basis for potential charges in this investigation is multifaceted. Prosecutors could pursue charges under several statutes, including:

18 U.S.C. § 241 (Conspiracy to Defraud the United States): This statute prohibits conspiring to obstruct lawful government functions, such as the certification of election results.

18 U.S.C. § 1512 (Witness Tampering): This covers attempts to influence or intimidate witnesses, including election officials.

18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy to Commit Offenses against the United States): A broad statute covering conspiracies to violate federal law.

Obstruction of an Official Proceeding (18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)): Relevant to actions taken to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College vote on January 6th.

The severity of potential charges ranges from misdemeanors to felonies, carrying potential penalties including imprisonment and fines. Successfully prosecuting these cases will require demonstrating intent – proving that individuals knowingly and willfully engaged in unlawful conduct.

The Role of the Special counsel

While not currently operating under a formally appointed Special Counsel, the Justice Department’s handling of this investigation has drawn comparisons to the appointment of Robert Mueller in 2017 to investigate russian interference in the 2016 election. The appointment of a Special Counsel would provide a degree of independence and insulate the investigation from political influence. Pressure for such an appointment has been mounting from various legal experts and political commentators.

Impact on the 2024 Election & Beyond

The timing of these grand jury proceedings, occurring in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, is particularly significant. Any indictments or convictions could have a profound impact on the political landscape.

Political ramifications: Indictments against Donald Trump could galvanize his supporters or further alienate moderate voters.

Legal Precedents: The outcome of these cases could set significant legal precedents regarding presidential power and the limits of executive authority.

Public Trust: The investigation and its results will likely shape public trust in the electoral process and the rule of law.

Related Search Terms & Keywords

January 6th Investigation

2020 Election Fraud

* Department of Justice