Judge blocks release of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump classified documents case

Associated Press (AP)EN 3 min read 100% complete by By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKERFebruary 23, 2026 at 04:23 PM

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A federal judge, Aileen Cannon, has permanently blocked the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on the investigation into Donald Trump's handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The ruling, issued on Monday, grants Trump's request to keep the report sealed. Smith's team produced the report after investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his retention of classified documents. Judge Cannon, who previously dismissed the case based on her view that Smith's appointment was unlawful, stated that releasing the report would present a "manifest injustice" to Trump and his co-defendants, especially since the indictments were abandoned after Trump's 2024 election win.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

National Governors Association 30% Joe Biden 40% Palm Beach, Florida 40% House Judiciary Committee 40% 2020 presidential election 50% Washington, D.C. ×360% Mar-a-Lago 60% Justice Department ×270% Aileen Cannon ×280% Jack Smith ×690% Donald Trump ×7100%

Keywords

donald trump 100% report release blocked 90% classified documents 90% jack smith 80% special counsel 70% aileen cannon 70% criminal investigation 60% justice department 50% 2020 presidential election 50% mar-a-lago 40%