A federal judge in Florida has temporarily blocked the expected release of special counsel Jack Smith‘s final report, a victory for Donald Trump and his allies in the final weeks before the president-elect starts his second White House term.
Smith’s report must remain undisclosed while the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals considers a challenge from two of Trump’s former co-defendants in the classified documents case, District Court Judge Aileen Cannon wrote in an order on Tuesday.
Lawyers for the defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, had requested a hearing on an emergency motion to argue against the release of certain materials while contending an “unchecked release” would result in “prejudice” against them.
“Defendants are strictly precluded from refuting the Report,” their filing on Monday warned. “The Final Report is meant to serve as a Government verdict…