In a definitive ruling issued February 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon blocked the public release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s findings regarding the classified documents case. The decision ensures that the second volume of Smith’s final report—which covers the Mar-a-Lago investigation—will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why the Report Was Blocked
Judge Cannon’s ruling rested on several key legal and procedural arguments:
- Preservation of Innocence: Cannon ruled that because the case was dismissed before a trial, releasing the report would result in “manifest injustice.” She argued that making the findings public would unfairly prejudice the President and his co-defendants, who maintain their presumption of innocence.
- The “Unlawful” Appointment: The judge doubled down on her previous 2024 ruling, stating that Jack Smith’s initial appointment was unconstitutional. She characterized the report itself as an unauthorized document produced by an official who lacked the legal standing to act.
- Grand Jury Secrecy: The court found that the report leaned heavily on sensitive grand jury testimony and discovery materials. Cannon noted that releasing this data would cause “irreparable harm” to the privacy of those involved.
A Shift in DOJ Policy
Notably, the Department of Justice did not fight to release the report. Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DOJ supported the motion to seal, describing Smith’s work as an “internal communication” that was legally flawed from the start.
The Current Landscape
This ruling creates a sharp divide between the two major federal investigations into the President:
- Volume I (Election Interference): Released in January 2025.
- Volume II (Classified Documents): Now permanently sealed by court order.
