When will this witch hunt end?
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, is seeking access to the case files of special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Mayes claims that her office is involved in an active case against several Trump allies and needs these materials to pursue charges against them effectively.
In a letter made public this week, Mayes informed U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that she had previously requested access to Smith’s files but was denied while the investigation was still ongoing. With Smith’s case now concluded, and the Justice Department pushing for the release of his final report, Mayes has renewed her request, arguing that obtaining these files is critical to holding those accountable for attempting to subvert the 2020 election.
“My office is one of the few that remains engaged in cases involving national figures,” Mayes wrote. “It is crucial that we prosecute those responsible for undermining our democracy and ensure they are held to account for their actions.”
Among the defendants in Mayes’ case are Mark Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, and Rudy Giuliani, along with others who allegedly submitted false documents to Congress, claiming Trump had won Arizona’s 2020 election. The trial is set for January 2026, and although Trump himself is not a defendant, he is referenced as “unindicted co-conspirator 1” in the charges.
Mayes’ request comes as Garland’s Justice Department is embroiled in a legal fight to release a portion of Smith’s two-volume report, which contains findings on Trump’s alleged election interference. Garland is attempting to withhold parts of the report while Trump’s co-defendants, including his valet Walt Nauta and property manager Carlos de Oliveira, are still facing charges. However, a federal appeals court recently blocked an effort to prevent the report’s release, leaving the situation in legal limbo.
Mayes’ letter highlights that the law allows the Justice Department to disclose grand jury materials for use in state cases like hers. She expressed urgency in receiving a response from Garland, warning that if she hasn’t heard by the end of Tuesday, she would consider her request denied. Notably, Meadows has also asked for access to Smith’s findings to support his defense, a request Mayes’ office has not opposed.