A federal judge blocks release of special counsel’s report on Trump
A federal judge, Aileen Cannon, issued an order on Tuesday blocking the release of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on his dual criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump. The order prohibits Attorney General Merrick Garland, Smith, or any Justice Department officials from publishing detailed information about the prosecutions of Trump.
The order will remain in effect until the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit rules on the constitutionality of Smith’s appointment as special counsel.
Smith had unsealed two indictments against the former president in 2023, one in Florida for hoarding classified documents and another in Washington, DC for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. The case regarding classified documents was dismissed by Cannon before the election last year due to concerns about Smith’s appointment process.
Two co-defendants of Trump, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are still facing legal proceedings.
The attorneys of the co-defendants have filed an emergency appeal to halt the transmission and release of the report by Smith and Garland.
Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, called for Biden and Garland to end the politicization of the Justice system and emphasized the mandate given to Trump by the American people.
Judge Cannon’s order aims to maintain the status quo and prevent irreparable harm while awaiting the appeals court’s decision. Copies of the order have been sent to the involved parties for compliance.
