A Trump-appointed judge blocked public release of the second volume of Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s classified documents.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump-appointed judge, has permanently blocked the release of the second volume of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents, ruling that disclosure could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings and violate the separation of powers. The decision, issued on February 23, 2026, halts public access to findings on Trump’s post-presidency retention of sensitive materials, citing concerns over judicial fairness and national security. The Justice Department has not yet indicated whether it will appeal. The full report remains under seal.