In a significant legal development, Florida Judge Aileen Cannon has temporarily blocked the Justice Department from releasing the final report by special counsel Jack Smith, presenting another hurdle for federal charges against Donald Trump.
Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, prosecutors had already dropped two criminal cases against him, making Smith’s report potentially crucial for explaining prosecutorial decisions.
The charges against Trump included allegations of election interference in Washington, D.C., and retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort, which he failed to return to the FBI. As per longstanding Justice Department policy, Smith dismissed these charges after Trump assumed the presidency.
Special counsels are mandated to file a report with the attorney general upon completing their investigation. Attorney General Merrick Garland has committed to making most of these reports public.
Smith was expected to submit his report on Tuesday, aimed at public release within the week. However, Judge Cannon ordered that the report remain under wraps until the federal appeals court resolves ongoing legal disputes.
Cannon’s earlier dismissal of Trump’s prosecution was based on concerns over the constitutionality of Smith’s appointment. Following Trump’s 2024 election win, the Justice Department withdrew from its appeal of this ruling, yet continued the legal process for Trump’s co-defendants citing potential prejudice from any public release of Smith’s findings.
Trump has contended that the special counsel’s appointment was unlawful and that any public report would lack legal validity, possibly undermining his presidential transition.
During a recent press conference, Trump labeled Smith as “a mean, nasty guy” and commended Cannon’s decision to dismiss the document case against him.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is expected to decide on the emergency motion to prohibit the report’s dissemination.
Rep. Gerald Connolly, a leading Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, criticized Cannon’s ruling, stating, “The DOJ must release its report on Trump’s mishandling of classified documents by January 20 to inform the public about the President-elect’s unlawful retention of sensitive documents. The public’s right to know is paramount.”
Failed Appeal for Sentencing Delay
In another ongoing legal issue, a New York state appeals court rejected Trump’s legal team’s request to postpone his sentencing for a hush-money conviction. Sentencing is set for this Friday, just days before his inauguration.
A state jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump’s legal representation sought to delay or entirely dismiss the case, asserting his immunity from prosecution.
New York Judge Juan Merchan, who has postponed sentencing multiple times, stated that Trump’s attorneys failed to demonstrate his immunity from the charges.
