Federal Judge Blocks Release of Special Counsel Jack Smith's Report on Trump Case

In Brief

A federal judge barred the release of Jack Smith's report on Trump's classified documents investigation.

Key Facts

• Federal Judge Aileen Cannon blocked the release of former special counsel Jack Smith's report on the classified documents case involving former President Trump
• The ruling prevents the Justice Department from making the report public
• Judge Cannon stated that Jack Smith drafted the report after she had dismissed the case
• The case concerns the handling of classified documents by former President Donald Trump
• The decision was issued by a federal judge in Florida appointed by former President Trump

What Happened

On Monday, Federal Judge Aileen Cannon issued a permanent injunction preventing the Justice Department from releasing the report authored by former special counsel Jack Smith regarding the investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents. Judge Cannon stated that Smith drafted the report after she had dismissed the case. The ruling keeps the report confidential.

Why It Matters

The decision limits public access to the findings of an investigation into a former president's handling of classified materials. It also reflects judicial oversight of special counsel investigations and legal considerations regarding the release of government documents.