Tue Jan 07 19:28:25 UTC 2025: ## Judge Blocks Release of Special Counsel’s Trump Report
**West Palm Beach, FL** – A federal judge has temporarily halted the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on his investigations into President-elect Donald Trump, delaying the public’s access to findings on the classified documents case and alleged election interference.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who previously oversaw a dismissed case against Trump, issued the order on Monday. The injunction prevents the Department of Justice from releasing the report pending an appeals court ruling on a request from Trump’s co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. Nauta and De Oliveira argue the report’s release could prejudice their ongoing legal proceedings.
The report, reportedly comprising two volumes – one on the classified documents case and another on the 2020 election interference allegations – was expected to be released imminently. Justice Department regulations require Smith to submit the report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has previously committed to public release of all special counsel reports.
Trump, who has repeatedly denounced the investigations as politically motivated “witch hunts,” celebrated the judge’s decision at a press conference, calling Smith a “disgrace” and the anticipated report “fake.” He claimed the timing of the report’s potential release was intended to damage him before his inauguration.
The classified documents case stems from allegations that Trump illegally retained classified materials after leaving office and obstructed efforts to retrieve them. De Oliveira faces additional charges related to alleged efforts to delete security footage. Both cases were dismissed last November following Trump’s re-election, and Smith announced his resignation prior to the inauguration.
Judge Cannon’s decision marks another twist in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump, the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. While Smith’s office declined to comment on the ruling, the delay further fuels the intense political debate surrounding these high-profile investigations.
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