Federal Judges Urged Colleague to Step Aside in Trump Case, but She Refused

The handling of former President Donald J. Trump’s classified documents case by Judge Aileen M. Cannon has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows among her colleagues on the federal bench in Florida. Despite being urged by two more experienced judges, including Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, to pass on the high-profile case, Judge Cannon insisted on keeping it.

The case, which involves allegations of illegally retaining national security documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them, has been marred by delays and unusual decisions by Judge Cannon. Critics have suggested that she may be in over her head or biased in favor of Mr. Trump.

The efforts by her colleagues to persuade her to step aside have added another layer of intrigue to the case. Judge Cannon’s refusal to hand off the case has led to questions about her judgment and impartiality.

Despite the criticism, Judge Cannon, who was appointed by Mr. Trump, remains steadfast in her decision to oversee the trial. The case has drawn attention not only for its legal implications but also for the behind-the-scenes drama unfolding among the federal judges in Florida.

As the case continues to unfold, the actions of Judge Cannon and her colleagues will be closely scrutinized, with implications for the future of the trial and its outcome.