In the latest development surrounding former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents, federal Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, has granted a motion that could significantly influence the proceedings. Judge Cannon approved Special Counsel Jack Smith’s request for extensive redactions in an upcoming filing related to Trump’s co-defendant, Walt Nauta.
The case, which involves Trump’s alleged retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, has been marked by contentious legal skirmishes and a series of decisions by Judge Cannon that some legal scholars perceive as favorable to the former president. The special counsel’s office has brought a 40-count case against Trump, accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents and resisting federal efforts to return them. Trump has pleaded not guilty, framing the DOJ’s actions as politically motivated.
Judge Cannon’s latest order, specifying “extensive redactions” for parts of a filing, underscores the sensitive nature of the evidence and the potential risks to witness safety and privacy. Smith asserted, “witness safety and privacy are paramount pretrial,” adhering to legal standards that prioritize these concerns.
“PAPERLESS ORDER granting in part the Special Counsel’s Third Motion for Redactions [423] in accordance with the Court’s prior Orders [474] [492]. The Court expresses no opinion on any other requests contained in the Special Counsel’s Motion. Signed by Judge Aileen M. Cannon on 4/30/2024,” Cannon’s order reads
The slow pace of the case has raised eyebrows and concerns among legal experts. Initially set to begin on May 20, the trial has been postponed indefinitely, with a new date yet to be determined. This indefinite delay follows a series of moves by Judge Cannon that have hindered the trial’s progress, including a recently extended key deadline that forestalls the disclosure of classified materials Trump’s legal team intends to introduce at trial.
Cannon’s handling of the case continues to draw scrutiny, especially given her decision last year to appoint a special master to review the FBI’s seizure of documents from Mar-a-Lago—a decision later overturned by an appeals court. Now, Cannon appears to be mulling over further delays, potentially pushing the trial past its original start date due to the volume of evidence and other trials Trump faces.
Some legal scholars have criticized Cannon for her rulings that are seen as favorable to Trump.
Smith filed a motion last month expressing concerns about Cannon’s proposed jury instructions. The instructions suggested that Trump might have had a legal right under the Presidential Records Act (PRA) to claim presidential records as personal property after his term ended.
Relevant articles:
– Aileen Cannon Hands Jack Smith a Win, Newsweek
– When Will Trump’s Classified Documents Trial Start? Judge Cannon Delays Deadline As Trial Date Remains Up In The Air., Forbes
– It Seems Judge Aileen Cannon Is About to Hand Trump a Massive Win, The New Republic
– How legal fights and stalling by judge could push Trump documents trial after election, CNN