Florida Judge Blocks Release of Trump Classified Documents Report

Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, has repeatedly ruled in favor of the former president in his classified documents case.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, has permanently blocked the Justice Department from releasing former special counsel Jack Smith's report on the case involving classified documents seized from Mar-a-Lago. This is the latest in a series of decisions by Cannon that have protected Trump from having the contents of the case made public.

Why it matters

Cannon's rulings have raised concerns about potential bias and the impartiality of the judicial process in this high-profile case. Her decisions to repeatedly side with Trump have drawn scrutiny and criticism, with some arguing that she is overstepping her authority and undermining the rule of law.

The details

Cannon was appointed to the federal bench by former President Trump in 2020 after working as a federal prosecutor and in private practice. Since being assigned to the Trump classified documents case in 2022, she has made a series of decisions that have favored the former president, including calling for a special master to review the seized documents and delaying the criminal trial multiple times.

  • In 2022, Cannon was randomly assigned to hear Trump v. United States, the case involving the classified documents seized from Mar-a-Lago.
  • In 2023, Cannon was again randomly assigned to oversee the criminal case against Trump, one of four major criminal cases he faced at the time.
  • In 2024, Cannon abruptly dismissed the charges against Trump on a technicality following his team's argument that special counsel Jack Smith's appointment was unconstitutional.
  • In early 2025, shortly before Trump's second inauguration, Cannon ordered Smith, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and the Department of Justice not to release Smith's report on the classified documents case.
  • On February 23, 2026, Cannon permanently blocked the release of Smith's investigations on the classified files and the defendants Trump, his valet Walt Nauta, and Mar-a-Lago employee Carlos de Oliveira.

The players

Aileen Cannon

A U.S. District Judge appointed by former President Trump in 2020, who has repeatedly made decisions favoring Trump in his classified documents case.

Donald Trump

The former president who was indicted on 37 counts, including willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and concealing documents.

Jack Smith

The former special counsel who investigated Trump's handling of classified documents and his efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election.

Merrick Garland

The U.S. Attorney General who appointed Jack Smith as special counsel.

Walt Nauta

Trump's valet who was charged along with Trump and Mar-a-Lago employee Carlos de Oliveira in the classified documents case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The 11th District Court of Appeals has yet to rule on an appeal from nonprofit free speech organizations American Oversight and the Knight First Amendment Institute to have the report released. The appeal could also be kicked up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The takeaway

Cannon's repeated rulings in favor of Trump have raised concerns about potential bias and the impartiality of the judicial process in this high-profile case. Her decisions to block the release of the special counsel's report and delay the criminal trial have drawn criticism from those who argue she is overstepping her authority and undermining the rule of law.