Judge Blocks Release of Report on Trump's Handling of Classified Documents

Ruling cites concerns over 'irreparable damage' to former defendants in the case

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A federal judge in Florida has blocked the public release of former special counsel Jack Smith's report on his investigation into classified documents held at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. The judge cited concerns over the report's use of 'discovery materials generated in this case' and the potential for 'irreparable damage' to former defendants in the case.

Why it matters

This ruling is significant as it prevents the public from accessing a potentially damaging report on Trump's handling of classified documents, which was a key part of the criminal case against him. The judge's concerns about the report's use of protected materials and potential harm to other defendants suggest an effort to limit the fallout from the investigation.

The details

U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon of the Southern District of Florida blocked the release of the report, stating that Smith's appointment as special counsel by President Joe Biden was unconstitutional. She also accused Smith of accelerating efforts to complete the report before leaving his position in January 2025, when Trump was expected to begin a second term. The judge said the report was based on 'discover materials generated in this case' and that its release could cause 'irreparable damage' to former defendants, including Trump's aide Walton Nauta and maintenance worker Carlos De Oliveira.

  • In July 2024, Judge Cannon ruled that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional.
  • In December 2023, Smith defended his investigations into Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election before Congress.
  • The judge's order blocking the report's release came on February 23, 2026.

The players

Jack Smith

Former special counsel who investigated Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election.

Aileen M. Cannon

U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Florida who ruled that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional and blocked the release of his report.

Donald Trump

Former president who was the subject of Smith's investigations into the handling of classified documents and alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election.

Walton Nauta

Trump's aide who was named in the indictment against Trump for his alleged role in moving classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

Carlos De Oliveira

Maintenance worker accused of helping Nauta move 30 boxes of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago under Trump's direction.

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What they’re saying

“Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and to prevent the lawful transfer of power.”

— Jack Smith, Former Special Counsel

“Our investigation also developed powerful evidence that showed President Trump willfully retained highly classified documents after he left office in January 2021, storing them at his social club, including in a bathroom and a ballroom where events and gatherings took place.”

— Jack Smith, Former Special Counsel

What’s next

The judge's ruling blocking the release of the report is likely to be appealed, setting up a legal battle over the public's access to the findings of the investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding the investigations into former President Trump, with the judge's concerns about potential harm to other defendants suggesting an effort to limit the fallout from the probe. The ruling also raises questions about transparency and the public's right to access information related to high-profile political figures.