On Wednesday, a group of House Judiciary Democrats called on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to drop charges against two co-defendants in the high-profile classified documents case involving Donald Trump.

The Democrats claimed that if Garland dropped the charges against Trump's valet, Walt Nauta, and property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, he could release the second part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report, which remains withheld due to ongoing prosecutions, Fox News reported.

The letter, signed by multiple Judiciary Committee members, argues that the charges against Nauta and De Oliveira are standing in the way of transparency. They specifically urged Garland to take action before President-elect Trump’s inauguration, stating that the public deserves to see the entirety of Smith's investigation, which remains concealed due to DOJ policies.

The letter also emphasizes that dropping the charges would release Volume 2 of Smith's report and would be in the public interest.

In the letter, the Democrats acknowledged that Nauta and De Oliveira face serious allegations, but stressed that Trump was the "mastermind" behind the scheme to obstruct the investigation into the classified documents. The letter also pointed out that Trump is facing 32 counts of willfully retaining classified documents, but, due to DOJ policy, is currently immune from prosecution as a sitting president.

These charges against the two co-defendants are the only remaining barriers preventing the public release of Volume 2 of the report.

The DOJ Stands Firm on Charges Against Nauta and De Oliveira

Garland's spokesperson, Xochitl Hinojosa, responded to the request, stating that the Justice Department stands by its case and will not be dropping the charges against Nauta or De Oliveira. Hinojosa emphasized that the department would continue to pursue the case, regardless of the Democrats' push.

The Democrats, however, argued that delaying the report's release for another four years would undermine the public's ability to understand the full scope of Trump’s actions regarding national security. The letter called for the charges against Nauta and De Oliveira to be dismissed in order to ensure the report’s release before Trump potentially returns to office.

Volume 1 of the special counsel's report, which focuses on the investigation into election interference, was released earlier this week. Volume 2, which examines the handling of classified documents and the obstruction of the investigation, has yet to be made public. The release of Volume 2 is especially significant, as it details the actions of Trump and his co-defendants.

Smith's Investigation and Garland's Decision on the Report

Garland appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith in 2022 to investigate Trump’s role in the 2020 election and the handling of classified materials. Smith led the investigation but resigned from the Justice Department on Friday, marking a turning point in the case.

Despite Smith’s departure, investigators continue to examine the actions of Trump’s co-defendants. Special counsels customarily release a comprehensive report at the conclusion of their investigations, summarizing findings and prosecution decisions.

Garland has resisted releasing Volume 2 of Smith’s report despite calls for transparency. He plans to deliver a farewell address to the Justice Department later today and has reiterated that charges against Nauta and De Oliveira remain in effect. Democrats have sharply criticized Garland’s decision to withhold the second volume, arguing that transparency is essential for accountability.

Trump and his co-defendants, Nauta and De Oliveira, have all pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. DOJ policy complicates Trump’s prosecution due to his status as a sitting president, and these legal ramifications continue to shape the investigation’s progression.

Delaying the Report Could Have Major Implications

Although Nauta and De Oliveira face less serious charges compared to Trump, the letter emphasizes the urgent need to address the broader issue of national security and transparency. The Democrats urge resolving the charges against Trump’s associates quickly to grant the public access to the full report.

As the legal process advances, Judge Aileen Cannon will hear arguments regarding Volume 2 of the report in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Thursday. The court’s decision could significantly influence the future release of the report.

The Democrats' letter also criticized the behavior of Nauta and De Oliveira, describing their actions as “sycophantic” and “criminal,” but placed much of the blame on Trump. The letter emphasized that Trump’s role in orchestrating the scheme to conceal classified documents is clear, as evidenced by the numerous charges against him.

Public Frustration Grows Over Lack of Transparency

With the ongoing delay in the release of Volume 2 of the report, public frustration has grown over the lack of accountability for Trump’s actions. The Democrats argue that this delay is harmful to the American public’s understanding of the events surrounding the classified documents case.

In the meantime, Trump continues to face legal challenges, but his potential victory in the 2024 election could complicate matters further. The case has sparked debate over the balance between the legal process and political considerations, and the decision to drop charges or release the report will likely have lasting consequences.

The release of Volume 2 of the report, which covers critical aspects of national security and Trump’s conduct, remains a focal point in the debate over transparency and accountability. Until then, the American public remains in the dark about crucial details surrounding the classified documents investigation.