Trump's DOJ Calls for Action Against Leaker of Smith Probe Documents

WHO:

Alternet - President Donald Trump, U.S. District Judge Ailleen Cannon, special counsel Jack Smith, Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, Department of Justice (DOJ).

IJR - A former U.S. attorney who helped investigate Trump.

WHAT:

Alternet - The DOJ has demanded that a judge consider further action against Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, who has been indicted for stealing documents related to Jack Smith's investigation.

Alternet - Lineberger has been charged with theft, record alteration, and concealment.

Alternet - The DOJ announced an indictment against Lineberger in May.

Alternet - Lineberger allegedly saved government records under misleading file names such as "chocolate cake recipe" and "bundt cake recipe."

WHERE:

Alternet - The case involves actions taken in the Southern District and U.S. District Court.

WHEN:

Alternet - The indictment against Lineberger was announced in May.

Alternet - The criminal case involving Trump’s alleged stealing and misuse of classified documents was dismissed in 2024.

Alternet - The injunction protecting Trump from Smith’s information has been in place since the start of 2025.

WHY:

Alternet - The DOJ is seeking action against Lineberger because her actions allegedly violated a court order and impaired the administration of the underlying criminal prosecution.

HOW:

Alternet - Lineberger is accused of concealing her actions by saving electronic copies of government records under misleading file names before transmitting them to her personal email accounts.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 23:26 UTC)

The Department of Justice is pushing for further action against Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, who has been indicted for stealing documents related to special counsel Jack Smith's investigation. Lineberger faces charges of theft, record alteration, and concealment, as she allegedly saved government records under misleading file names like "chocolate cake recipe." The DOJ claims her actions violated a court order and hindered the administration of the ongoing criminal prosecution.