Trump Special Counsel Opts Against Mini-Trial Before Election

  • Jack Smith focused on revising indictment in Jan. 6 case
  • Judge Chutkan has set Sept. 5 hearing to review next steps

Donald Trump 

Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg
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Special Counsel Jack Smith has decided against seeking a major hearing to present evidence in the election-interference case against Donald Trump before voters go to the polls Nov. 5, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move means that it’s unlikely a so-called mini-trial, which would include evidence and testimony from possible blockbuster witnesses like former Vice President Mike Pence, would take place before the presidential election.