Trump lawyers push to stop release of reports on election interference and classified documents cases

ISTANBUL

Lawyers for US President-elect Donald Trump are seeking to block the release of special counsel Jack Smith’s final reports on the Washington election interference and Florida classified documents cases against their client, calling them "lawless political stunts," according to local media.

In a Monday letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, attorneys Todd Blanche and John Lauro argued that releasing the reports violates the Presidential Transition Act and the presidential immunity doctrine.

They also questioned the validity of Smith’s appointment and criticized the reports as one-sided attempts to harm Trump politically.

"Releasing Smith’s report is obviously not in the public interest — particularly in light of President Trump’s commanding victory in the election," the lawyers wrote.

Former co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira joined the request, asking Judge Aileen Cannon — who dismissed the classified documents case, claiming Smith’s appointment had been unconstitutional — to block the report’s release.

Smith, who has said he will resign before Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration, is required to submit a final report to the attorney general, who will decide on its public release.

The US Justice Department has not commented on the matter.