Release of DOJ Report Temporarily Halted by Cannon

TL/DR –

The article discusses an upcoming report by Smith regarding former President Trump’s handling of classified documents after his term ended and his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The report was planned to be released by Attorney General Merrick Garland, but a ruling by Cannon, issued at the request of two Trump allies, prevents the Justice Department from releasing the report until three days after a federal appeals court makes a decision on the matter. The release of the report is further complicated by Cannon’s previous dismissal of Smith’s prosecution of Trump and his co-defendants, and unresolved charges against Trump’s co-defendants.

Smith to present report on Trump’s handling of classified documents and 2020 election to AG Garland

Smith is preparing a report for AG Merrick Garland, detailing his investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents post-tenure in 2021 and alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Garland planned to release the report, but a ruling from Cannon, in response to a request by two Trump allies co-defending the classified documents case, prevents its release until a federal appeals court decision. The order bars Garland, Smith, the DOJ, and their affiliates from sharing or distributing the report or drafts outside the DOJ.

Trump-appointed Cannon previously dismissed Smith’s prosecution of Trump and the co-defendants in July, citing Garland’s improper appointment of Smith. Though the DOJ appealed, it dropped the appeal related to Trump post his election victory. The appeal for charges against Trump’s co-defendants is still pending, potentially questioning Cannon’s jurisdiction in this case.

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