N※N

Trump Classified Documents Case: Special Counsel Removed

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. fied-documents-case-special-counsel-removed.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 22:56 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 20th, 2026 - In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents, the Department of Justice has removed Special Counsel Robert Hur from the investigation. The decision, announced late Thursday, signals a strategic recalibration by the DOJ as the case progresses through the legal system following Trump's indictment.

The move comes amidst escalating legal maneuvers from Trump's defense team, who have consistently challenged the integrity and impartiality of the investigation. Central to these challenges has been a formal request to review Hur's complete report, along with pointed accusations suggesting a bias rooted in Hur's prior service within the Department of Justice. While the specific details of these concerns haven't been fully publicised, sources close to the legal team suggest they centre on perceptions that Hur approached the investigation with pre-conceived notions.

The initial investigation, stemming from the discovery of numerous classified documents at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, led to a multi-count indictment against the former president. These charges allege unlawful retention of national defense information, obstruction of justice, and false statements made to federal investigators. The removal of Hur, however, doesn't signify a cessation of the investigation. Rather, the DOJ maintains that the inquiry will continue under the auspices of existing career prosecutors within the department. The identity of the prosecutor(s) taking over the case has not yet been disclosed, leaving many speculating about the DOJ's new approach.

Legal experts suggest several potential motivations behind the DOJ's decision. Some theorize that the department seeks to mitigate the appearance of bias, responding directly to the accusations leveled by Trump's lawyers. Others believe the DOJ is streamlining the case, potentially preparing for a more aggressive prosecution following the challenges to Hur's report. A third possibility, according to constitutional law professor Eleanor Vance at Georgetown University, is a restructuring to focus on specific aspects of the case, potentially involving additional expertise in areas like national security law or evidence handling. "The DOJ doesn't make moves like this lightly," Professor Vance explained. "It suggests they are evaluating their strategy and want to ensure they're presenting the strongest possible case."

The contents of Hur's report are now the subject of intense scrutiny. While a summary was initially released, Trump's legal team argues that a full and unredacted version is essential to assess the thoroughness and objectivity of the investigation. The report reportedly details Trump's initial reluctance to return the classified documents after leaving office, as well as his alleged handling of the materials at Mar-a-Lago. Documents unsealed earlier revealed a protracted back-and-forth between Trump's team and the National Archives concerning the return of presidential records, raising questions about the former president's intent.

The implications of this reshuffle extend beyond the immediate case. It raises broader questions about the politicization of the Justice Department, especially in matters involving high-profile figures. Critics argue that the DOJ's response to Trump's accusations, while understandable, could set a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for future attempts to delegitimize investigations based on perceived biases. Conversely, supporters maintain that the DOJ has a responsibility to ensure public trust in the integrity of its investigations, even if it means making difficult personnel decisions.

The case is expected to remain highly contested throughout 2026, with potential for protracted legal battles and appeals. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the new lead prosecutor(s) assess the existing evidence and determine the next steps in the investigation. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Trump himself but also for the future of presidential record-keeping and the handling of classified information.