Trump seeks to block 'imminent' release of special counsel Jack Smith's report
Share and Follow


President-elect Donald Trump and his former co-defendants in the Florida classified documents case launched an effort Monday to block the release of a final report by special counsel Jack Smith that also addresses the election interference case.

Both cases against Trump have been dismissed.

Lawyers for defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira filed a motion Monday night asking U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to block Smith, who prosecuted the case, from issuing his report. They cited the judge’s previous ruling that Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.

“The Final Report promises to be a one-sided, slanted report, relying nearly exclusively on evidence presented to a grand jury and subject to all requisite protections—and which is known to Smith only as a result of his unconstitutional appointment—in order to serve a singular purpose: convincing the public that everyone Smith charged is guilty of the crimes charged,” the four lawyers wrote.

Defense lawyers asked Cannon on Monday to hold a hearing and rule on their motion by Friday, saying they believe the release of the report is “imminent.”

Trump’s lawyers, meanwhile, sent a letter urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to stop Smith from releasing the report. In the letter, Trump’s lawyers called Smith an “out-of-control private citizen unconstitutionally posing as a prosecutor” aiming to politically harm Trump.

“Accordingly, because Smith has proposed an unlawful course of action, you must countermand his plan and remove him promptly. If Smith is not removed, then the handling of his report should be deferred to President Trump’s incoming attorney general, consistent with the expressed will of the People,” they wrote.

Trump’s lawyers said they reviewed a two-volume draft copy of Smith’s report at the special counsel’s office in Washington, D.C., over the weekend.

The special counsel’s office is required under Justice Department regulations to provide a confidential report to Garland, who can choose to make it public.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

NBC News has reported that Smith and his team plan to resign before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

The Justice Department charged Trump in Florida with mishandling classified documents after he left office. Cannon dismissed the case in July, saying Smith’s appointment was illegal. Trump had pleaded not guilty.

Smith appealed the dismissal, but the case was upended by Trump’s election in November, because of the Justice Department’s long-standing policy not to prosecute sitting presidents. An appeals court later agreed to dismiss the case against Trump at Smith’s request.

Smith was also forced to wind down the election interference case against Trump after indicting him in 2023 in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. A judge in November agreed to dismiss that case, too, at Smith’s request.

Federal prosecutors are still appealing Cannon’s dismissal of the charges against Nauta and De Oliveira.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Fears woman is mauled by shark off California coast

Shark Attack Concerns Rise as California Woman Feared Mauled Off Coast

In a tragic turn of events, a 55-year-old woman is missing and…
Mike Tyson and Ric Flair sue ex-cannabis business partners for $50m

Mike Tyson & Ric Flair Take Legal Action: $50M Lawsuit Against Ex-Cannabis Partners

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair, iconic figures in the boxing and wrestling…
Bondi Beach suspects filmed antisemitic video manifesto, Australian investigators say

Australian Investigators Report Antisemitic Video Manifesto Filmed at Bondi Beach

Authorities in Australia report that the suspects involved in the Bondi Beach…
'Spiked' 60 Minutes segment on Trump deportations explodes online

Unseen 60 Minutes Segment on Trump Deportations Sparks Viral Outrage

A last-minute decision led to the removal of a 60 Minutes segment…
Video shows canal boat sinking after catastrophe in the night

Shocking Footage: Canal Boat Sinks Overnight in Dramatic Incident

A dramatic incident unfolded as a canal boat was engulfed by a…
FILE - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference at the Department of Transportation in Washington, Dec. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Colorado’s Federal Funds Slashed by $24M Due to Unlawful CDL Issuances

DENVER (AP) — On Monday, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a…
Illinois officers crawl under burning car to save trapped driver in dramatic Interstate 88 rescue

Brave Illinois Officers Risk It All to Save Driver Trapped Under Burning Vehicle on I-88

In Illinois, early Sunday morning, police officers demonstrated remarkable bravery by crawling…
Barry Manilow, 82, reveals he is battling lung cancer

Barry Manilow, 82, Courageously Faces Lung Cancer Battle: Iconic Singer’s Health Update

On Monday morning, Barry Manilow disclosed via an Instagram post that he…