Fiery Trump spokesman spins appeals court loss as victory against 'deranged' Jack Smith
An appeals court judge on the 11th Circuit handed a loss to President-elect Donald Trump's former co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, bodyguard Walt Nauta and property manager Carlos de Oliveira, denying their request to block special counsel Jack Smith's report.
However, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung, known for his brash and combative demeanor, issued a statement proclaiming it a victory, because the decision left in place far-right District Judge Aileen Cannon's original injunction against the release of the report — even though that injunction only lasts for three more days.
“Deranged Jack Smith was sent packing after losing both of his Witch Hunts against President Trump," wrote Cheung. "Deranged [sic] was unconstitutionally appointed and paid for, so he cannot be allowed to do anything more in perpetuation of his election-interfering hoaxes, let alone prepare an unconstitutional, one-sided, falsehood-ridden screed."
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"Today’s decision by the 11th Circuit keeps Judge Cannon’s injunction in place and prevents any report from being issued," he continued. "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.”
Cannon was the judge who initially dismissed the case, which charged Trump and his associates for illegally concealing highly classified national defense information at Trump's Florida country club, on the controversial basis that Smith could not file charges without an appointment by the Senate. Smith had appealed that matter to the 11th Circuit, but the issue is moot now that Trump is returning to office, as the Justice Department has a policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.
Some experts have questioned the authority of Cannon to enjoin the release of the report in the first place, arguing she relinquished her jurisdiction when she dismissed the case.