Aileen Cannon, a federal judge appointed by Donald Trump, has ordered the U.S. Department of Justice not to release a report related to Trump's criminal investigation which was compiled by former special prosecutor Jack Smith. This report focuses on allegations of Trump mishandling classified documents after his first term in office, particularly concerning documents retained at his Mar-a-Lago estate long after he left office.

The FBI conducted a search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022, resulting in the discovery of 15 boxes containing a total of 184 classified documents. Cannon's ruling comes at a time when Trump is facing scrutiny for the classified materials that remained in his possession, raising questions about national security and the handling of sensitive information. Critics of Cannon accuse her of intentionally delaying the judicial process, which could have broader implications for the accountability of elected officials.

Cannon has dismissed all charges against Trump in 2024 and her decision to keep the report from public view is labeled as part of a "brazen plot" to shield the former president from further investigation or potential consequences. The ramifications of her ruling may affect not just the immediate legal landscape concerning Trump but also touch on issues of transparency in high-profile legal cases involving former officials and their access to classified information.