Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2
Trump's co-defendants in federal cases are attempting to delay the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report, seeking to prevent public disclosure of investigative findings before Trump takes office.
This event scores high on constitutional damage (A=37.98) due to significant rule_of_law concerns (4.0) around transparency and accountability in federal prosecutions, election integrity implications (3.5) given timing relative to Trump's return to office, and separation_of_powers issues (3.5) involving executive-judicial dynamics. The judicial mechanism and federal scope provide appropriate modifiers (1.15 × 1.2). The B-score (26.48) is also elevated due to exceptional timing (8.5) - occurring in the narrow window before inauguration - and strong media appeal (7.0) around the Jack Smith investigation saga. The intentionality score (9/15) reflects clear procedural delay tactics with strategic timing. With D=+11.5, this narrowly qualifies as List A, though the high B-score and small differential indicate Mixed characteristics. This represents genuine constitutional tension around prosecutorial independence and transparency versus legitimate defense rights, amplified by politically charged timing.
Monitor whether delay succeeds and report's eventual content; track precedent for special counsel report suppression; assess impact on DOJ independence norms and future accountability mechanisms for high-level federal investigations.