Judge permanently blocks release of Jack Smith's report on Trump documents case
📌 Key Takeaways
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📖 Full Retelling
A federal judge on Monday permanently blocked the Justice Department from releasing former special counsel Jack Smith's report on the classified documents investigation.
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Connections for Jack Smith:
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Donald Trump
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Kash Patel
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Jamie Raskin
1 shared
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Special counsel
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Aileen Cannon
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The judge’s ruling keeps a key part of the former special counsel’s investigation from public view, underscoring concerns about the legality of the investigation and the protection of defendants’ rights. It also highlights the ongoing tension between the Justice Department and the courts over disclosure of sensitive documents.
What Happens Next
The report will remain sealed, and the Justice Department is unlikely to change the order. Future court decisions may further clarify the limits of special counsel authority.
Original Source
Politics Judge permanently blocks release of Jack Smith's report on Trump classified documents case By Jacob Rosen , Jacob Rosen Justice Department Reporter Jake Rosen is a reporter covering the Department of Justice. He was previously a campaign digital reporter covering President Trump's 2024 campaign and also served as an associate producer for "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." Read Full Bio Jacob Rosen , Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn Senior Reporter, Politics Melissa Quinn is a senior reporter for CBSNews.com, where she covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts. Read Full Bio Melissa Quinn Updated on: February 23, 2026 / 9:45 AM EST / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Washington — A federal judge on Monday permanently blocked the Justice Department from releasing the portion of former special counsel Jack Smith's report that details his investigation into President Trump's alleged mishandling of sensitive government documents and alleged obstruction of the federal probe. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted requests from Mr. Trump and two of his former co-defendants in the case, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, to issue an order prohibiting the release of the second volume of Smith's report. The order bars Attorney General Pam Bondi or her successors from releasing or sharing that portion of the final report. Bondi had already determined that the report's second volume shouldn't be released to the public, in part because of questions surrounding the legality of Smith's appointment as special counsel. Cannon, who was overseeing the prosecution of Mr. Trump in the documents case, ruled in July 2024 that Smith was unlawfully appointed special counsel and dismissed the charges. Smith had appealed that decision, but the case ultimately ended after Mr. Trump won a second term in the White House. "Special Counsel Smith, acting without lawful authority, obtained an indictment in this action and initiated proceedings that result...
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