Federal appeals court blocks Trump's request to withhold documents from Jan. 6 committee

A federal appeals court on Thursday ruled against former President Donald Trump's efforts to withhold documents from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

The panel of three judges – all nominated by Democratic presidents – said there is a "unique legislative need" for the documents requested by the committee, the Associated Press reports. All 

Trump attempted to block the documents' release by claiming executive privilege.

“On the record before us, former President Trump has provided no basis for this court to override President Biden’s judgment and the agreement and accommodations worked out between the Political Branches over these documents,” the court states.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling will not go into effect for two weeks, which will allow the former president's attorneys to file an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court. 

Trump spokeswoman Liz Harrington posted Thursday on Twitter, "Regardless of today’s decision by... the appeals court, this case was always destined for the Supreme Court. President Trump’s duty to defend the Constitution and the Office of the Presidency continues, and he will keep fighting for every American and every future Administration."