Judge Blocks Release of Special Counsel Report on Trump Documents Case

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Tuesday temporarily blocked the release of special counsel Jack Smith‘s report on the classified documents case involving former President Donald Trump. The injunction prevents the Department of Justice from sharing the report until three days after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rules on a related matter involving Trump co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira.

Cannon’s order, issued in the Southern District of Florida, aims to ‘preserve the status quo’ while the appeals court considers a request from Nauta and De Oliveira’s lawyers to block the report’s release. The co-defendants have argued that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional, citing a previous ruling by Cannon.

The injunction specifically bars Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Department of Justice, Special Counsel Smith, and their associates from releasing, sharing, or transmitting the final report or any drafts outside the department. It also prohibits the dissemination of any information or conclusions contained in the report.

Cannon stated that the order will remain in effect for three days after the 11th Circuit resolves the pending issue, ‘unless the Eleventh Circuit orders otherwise.’ The case stems from an investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents after leaving office, which has drawn significant national attention.

This is a developing story, and updates are expected as the appeals court deliberates on the matter. Daniel Barnes of NBC News, based in Washington, contributed to this report.