The Department of Justice (DOJ), headed by Merrick Garland, has petitioned a federal court to keep the identities of key staff working with Special Counsel Jack Smith secret, according to Judicial Watch.
The DOJ’s move follows a rejected FOIA request made by Judicial Watch to the DOJ in 2022 seeking staff lists and other personnel information from Smith’s office. After the affidavit’s refusal, the outlet filed a lawsuit opposing the DOJ’s refusal to cooperate in May 2023.
Before the lawsuit, the DOJ confirmed the existence of the requested lists; however, it argued that “disclosing the more-than-one-year-old rosters could reasonably be expected to interfere” with the Special Counsel’s work, according to Judicial Watch.
Judicial Watch disputed the DOJ’s argument in their filing, describing it as “little more than speculation” and asserting it lacks substantial evidence. They pointed out the availability of the names of at least 23 Special Counsel office staff from public avenues, arguing the release of this information has not impacted the functioning of the office.