U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon bars Justice Department from distributing second volume examining President Donald Trump’s handling of classified materials.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A federal judge on Monday permanently barred the Justice Department from releasing the second volume of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report concerning President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents following his first term in office.
The ruling, first reported by Fox News, was issued by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon and prohibits the department from “releasing, distributing, conveying, or sharing with anyone outside the Department of Justice any information or conclusions in Volume II or in drafts thereof.”
Volume II of Smith’s report focused on Trump’s retention of classified materials after leaving office. The order represents a significant legal victory for the president and his co-defendants, preventing public dissemination of the findings.
Cannon previously determined that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional. Although that matter was ultimately dismissed after Trump’s reelection in 2024, the judge’s earlier ruling formed part of the broader legal backdrop surrounding the case.
The Justice Department has not publicly indicated whether it will appeal Cannon’s decision. The order specifically restricts disclosure of the second volume and related drafts outside the department, effectively sealing its contents from public release.
The case stems from Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified records after his first term. Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, and prior litigation over the matter included challenges to the special counsel’s authority.
With Cannon’s ruling now in place, Volume II of the report will remain within the Justice Department unless a higher court overturns the order.
Original article
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