Key Takeaways:

• Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the intent to release Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump's investigations.
• The report will be released in two volumes; the first pertaining to election interference, while the second on classified documents remains under court review.
• Legal experts argue Judge Aileen Cannon lacks jurisdiction to block the release of the reports.
• Trump's lawyers seek to prevent publication, claiming it could disrupt the presidential transition.
• Court decisions will determine when the reports can be made public as legal battles continue.

In a significant development, Attorney General Merrick Garland indicated his readiness to release the findings of Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding investigations into Donald Trump's actions during the 2020 presidential election. This announcement arises amidst ongoing legal challenges, as Garland confirmed he intends to make these documents available to Congress and the public "when permitted by the court," following a directive from the Eleventh Circuit, which is currently reviewing a temporary block imposed by Judge Aileen Cannon regarding the report's release.

Garland's letter to Congress underscores the completion of Smith's investigations, stating that he "at no time did [he] interfere" with Smith’s processes. However, while parts of the report on Trump's alleged election interference are expected to circulate soon, the sections concerning Trump's handling of classified documents will only be disclosed privately to select committee leaders due to pending cases against Trump's associates, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, both of whom have pleaded not guilty.

Despite Smith dropping the classified documents case after Trump’s presidential victory, ongoing appeals aim to determine the legitimacy of Cannon's jurisdiction to block the report. Legal experts have criticized Cannon's earlier ruling, asserting that she lacks the authority to prevent the release of information constructed during Smith's mandate. Former federal prosecutor Sarah Krissoff articulated that the appeal should clarify that the Justice Department retains jurisdiction over the election interference portion of the report.

Trump's legal team, however, argues that the report's release could severely jeopardize his chances during the transition period to the presidency, labeling it as a "political hit job" designed to disrupt the incoming administration. They have expressed intentions of challenging any decision that could facilitate the report's public view, positing that the release would present a biased representation of an already dismissed charge.

As the Eleventh Circuit deliberates the future of this matter, including the legitimacy of Judge Cannon's decision and the pressing need for transparency, it is unclear when the findings might ultimately be publicized. Historical parallels are drawn with past special counsels, suggesting a clear precedent for full disclosures following such investigations.

For further details, read more on the SCMP, USA Today, CNN, Salon, and ABC News.