Judge Aileen Cannon has sat for months on a petition to release Special Counsel Jack Smith’s full Mar‑a‑Lago report, allowing the DOJ to stall while seeking broader immunity.

Growing Pressure on Judge Cannon

July 12, 2025: Judicial advocates have twice pressed U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to issue a ruling on a pending request from advocacy groups seeking public release of the complete report authored by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Despite months passing without action, Cannon has not taken steps to move the case forward. Legal commentary points to mounting frustration over the prolonged decision-making delay.

Report Still Sealed Amid DOJ Advantage

Smith’s follow-up report—detailing findings from the Mar‑a‑Lago classified documents case—remains under seal. The Department of Justice continues to benefit from the stall in public release, using the delay to its strategic advantage amid ongoing appeals from Trump co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira. Cannon’s inaction has drawn criticism for facilitating DOJ’s control over timing.

Past Controversy and Judicial Criticism

Judge Cannon, appointed by Donald Trump in 2020, previously faced unanimous rebuke from the Eleventh Circuit—disqualifying her special master ruling over the Mar‑a‑Lago probe as exceeding her authority. Legal scholars have repeatedly questioned whether she has jurisdiction to block publication of Smith’s report, which is currently under appellate review.

Blocking Report Sharing with Congress

In early 2025, Judge Cannon blocked DOJ from sharing the report with congressional Judiciary leaders before criminal proceedings concluded, citing concerns over fairness to co-defendants. While the volume covering Jan. 6 interference was released publicly, Cannon maintained the classified documents volume must stay confidential pending appeal resolution.

What’s Next: Waiting on a Ruling

The deadline to rule has come and gone, leaving the case in procedural limbo. Without Cannon’s action, the release of Volume II remains stalled indefinitely. Courts and watchdogs alike are watching closely—any continued delay threatens to fuel calls for judicial intervention by the Eleventh Circuit, which has previously intervened.

Why It Matters

Text of Smith’s full report may clarify DOJ actions surrounding classified records and procedural tactics.

Delay may influence public understanding of executive accountability and turnover law.

Highlights ongoing tension between judiciary, DOJ, and public transparency in politically charged investigations.

As Judge Cannon remains silent on the request to release Smith’s full Mar‑a‑Lago report, critics claim her inaction is indirectly extending the Justice Department’s control over sensitive disclosures. The stalled decision raises serious questions about oversight, timing, and legal precedent in the final stages of the classified documents saga.