“11th Circuit Ruling ‘Keeps Judge Cannon’s Injunction in Place’: Trump Camp Declares Victory Despite Setback
(Cover Image Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
An appeals court judge on the 11th Circuit has delivered a significant blow to President-elect Donald Trump’s former co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. Walt Nauta, Trump’s bodyguard, and Carlos de Oliveira, his property manager, had requested to block special counsel Jack Smith’s report. However, the court denied their request.
Despite this legal setback, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung characterized the decision as a triumph, citing the preservation of District Judge Aileen Cannon’s original injunction against the release of the report—an injunction set to expire in just three days.
“Deranged Jack Smith was sent packing after losing both of his Witch Hunts against President Trump,” Cheung stated. “Deranged [sic] was unconstitutionally appointed and paid for, so he cannot be allowed to do anything more in the perpetuation of his election-interfering hoaxes, let alone prepare an unconstitutional, one-sided, falsehood-ridden screed.”
Cheung further claimed, “Today’s decision by the 11th Circuit keeps Judge Cannon’s injunction in place and prevents any report from being issued. It is time for Joe Biden and Merrick Garland to do the right thing and put a final stop to the political weaponization of our Justice system. The American People elected President Trump with a historic and overwhelming mandate, and we look forward to uniting our country in the new Administration as President Trump makes America great again.”
Judge Cannon previously dismissed the case, which involved allegations of Trump and his associates illegally concealing classified national defense documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property. Her dismissal was based on the controversial argument that Jack Smith, as special counsel, could not file charges without a Senate appointment.
Smith appealed the dismissal to the 11th Circuit, but the case became moot following Trump’s return to office. The Department of Justice has a longstanding policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, effectively halting any further legal action on the matter.
Legal experts have raised concerns about Cannon’s authority to enjoin the release of Smith’s report, pointing out that her dismissal of the case may have nullified her jurisdiction. Nonetheless, her injunction stands for the moment, adding another layer of controversy to the already tumultuous legal proceedings.
While the decision may provide temporary relief for Trump’s camp, the broader implications of the legal challenges surrounding the Mar-a-Lago case remain unresolved.
