Judge Permanently Blocks Release of Final Report on Trump Classified Documents Probe

Ruling says special counsel Smith's actions were 'invalid' due to unlawful appointment

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A federal judge has permanently barred the release of the final report by former special counsel Jack Smith on his investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents after leaving office. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, dismissed the case against Trump in 2024 and ruled that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unlawful, calling his actions 'invalid.' Cannon said the report's release would 'contravene' her previous dismissal order.

Why it matters

This ruling marks a significant victory for Trump, who has long criticized the investigations into his handling of classified materials as politically motivated. The permanent sealing of the special counsel's final report means the public may never see the full findings of the probe, which Smith said developed 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' of Trump's criminal activity.

The details

In her order, Cannon scolded Smith for preparing the report even after she had ruled his appointment was unlawful, calling it a 'concerning breach of the spirit' of her dismissal order. She said Smith and his team 'chose to circumvent' her order by compiling the report to transmit to the Attorney General and Congress.

  • In June 2023, Trump pleaded not guilty to 40 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials after leaving the White House in 2021.
  • In 2024, Cannon dismissed the case against Trump, ruling that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unlawful.
  • On February 23, 2026, Cannon permanently barred the release of Smith's final report on the investigation.

The players

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who was the subject of the classified documents investigation by special counsel Jack Smith.

Jack Smith

Former special counsel appointed to investigate Trump's handling of classified materials after leaving office in 2021.

Aileen Cannon

U.S. District Judge who dismissed the case against Trump in 2024 and has now permanently blocked the release of the special counsel's final report.

Merrick Garland

U.S. Attorney General who was set to receive the special counsel's final report on the Trump investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The Court need not countenance this brazen stratagem or effectively perpetuate the Special Counsel's breach of this Court's own order.”

— Aileen Cannon, U.S. District Judge

“My investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in criminal activity.”

— Jack Smith, Former Special Counsel (House Judiciary Committee)

What’s next

There are no clear next steps announced regarding this case, as the judge has now permanently blocked the release of the special counsel's final report.

The takeaway

This ruling represents a major victory for former President Trump, who has long decried the investigations into his handling of classified materials as politically motivated. The permanent sealing of the special counsel's report means the public may never see the full findings of the probe, which the former special counsel claimed developed evidence of Trump's criminal wrongdoing.