Judge Aileen Cannon Delays Trump’s Classified Documents Case Further, Plans Sprawling Hearing
Judge Aileen Cannon is making headlines once again in the case involving former President Donald Trump’s classified documents. Cannon has decided to hold a hearing on Trump’s request to declare Jack Smith’s appointment as special counsel invalid, indicating a potential willingness to veto the special prosecutor’s authority.
This move adds a new and unusual twist to the federal criminal case against the former president. Cannon has allowed various political partisans and constitutional scholars, not directly involved in the case, to join in the oral arguments later this month. This decision has raised eyebrows as it elevates the arguments in a criminal case that may not see trial until next year.
Furthermore, Cannon has delayed other hearings without setting new dates, showcasing her unique approach to the national security case. This scheduling strategy has been seen as a legal win for Trump, who also recently scored a victory in Georgia where a court put the election subversion conspiracy case on hold indefinitely.
The delays in the case have been a point of contention, especially as other federal trial-level judges have moved swiftly to trial in similar cases. Cannon’s decision to entertain challenges to the special counsel’s authority has sparked debate, especially as Republicans are scrutinizing Attorney General Merrick Garland’s use of special counsels.
The case is set to remain a topic of political debate until Cannon holds a hearing on the legal power of the special counsel to prosecute a defendant on June 21. The judge’s approach has been notably different from other trial-level federal judges, as she has taken her time to address pre-trial issues in the case.
Overall, Cannon’s handling of the case has been unconventional, with the inclusion of third-party groups in the legal proceedings and the slow progress on key legal matters. The outcome of the upcoming hearing on the special counsel’s authority will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for the case moving forward.
