By Steve Neavling
A federal appeals court ruled Thursday against President-elect Donald Trump’s attempt to prevent the release of a special counsel report detailing two completed investigations into him.
The decision was issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, dealing a blow to Trump’s legal efforts.
The court’s unsigned and concise order rejected Trump’s emergency bid to block the release. However, the ruling does not immediately guarantee the report’s publication.
Currently, both parts of the two-volume report by Special Counsel Jack Smith remain restricted under a temporary injunction issued earlier this week by a lower court in Florida. The injunction, which prevents the report’s release, was imposed by Judge Aileen Cannon, who presided over one of the investigations.
The Justice Department has announced it will delay releasing the section of the report related to Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified materials after leaving office. This section pertains to the Florida case at the heart of the dispute.
Thursday night’s decision by the appeals court allowed the injunction to remain in effect but clarified that the Justice Department retains the right to appeal it. Notably, the injunction is set to expire in just three days unless further action is taken.
Once the injunction lifts, Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to move forward with releasing the portion of the report related to the investigation into alleged election interference by Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team could attempt additional maneuvers to delay or halt the report’s publication, including seeking intervention from the Supreme Court.
Special Counsel Jack Smith had to abandon both criminal cases after Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, citing Justice Department policy that considers sitting presidents temporarily immune from criminal prosecution while in office.
