Smith's final report on Trump cases can be released, appeals court says
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Jan. 7 in Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
A federal appeals court paved the way Thursday for special counsel Jack Smith to release a final report on President-elect Trump's two dismissed federal criminal cases.
The big picture: Trump and two of his former co-defendants have fought the release of the report on his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election and handling of classified documents. The ruling leaves open the possibility of a further appeal.
- Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment in the evening.
Zoom in: The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta comes in response to a request from Trump aid Walt Nauta and former Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira, who were both charged in the dismissed classified documents case.
- The timing of the report's release remains unclear.
- A lower court ruling from U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, which temporarily blocked the report's release is in place for three days.
- A separate part of the report, which details Smith's investigation into Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents, appears likely to remain sealed for now, per the Washington Post.
What they're saying: Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement that criticized Smith the decision from the 11th Circuit "keeps Judge Cannon's injunction in place and prevents any report from being issued."
- He called on President Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland, whom Trump's lawyers have asked to block the release of Smith's report, to "do the right thing and put a final stop to the political weaponization of our Justice system."
Context: Smith initiated a winding down of his two federal criminal cases against Trump after the president-elect's November win.
- A judge then granted the special counsel's request to drop all charges against Trump in the case alleging that he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
- Smith also asked a federal court in Florida in November to pause his appeal related to Cannon's dismissal of the classified documents case.
Go deeper: Trump seeks to stop Smith releasing final report
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
Axios' Rebecca Falconer contributed reporting.
