Judge Orders New Hearing to Reassess Evidence in Trump’s Classified Documents Case

In a significant legal development, Judge Aileen Cannon has ordered an additional hearing to reassess evidence in former President Donald Trump’s classified documents case. Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to 41 counts related to the retention of classified documents and obstruction of justice, had requested this re-examination. The charges hinge on evidence suggesting Trump tried to obstruct the Department of Justice’s efforts to retrieve documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Previously, a judge allowed the Justice Department to pierce attorney-client privilege under the crime-fraud exception. However, Cannon ruled that due to “pertinent factual disputes,” an evidentiary hearing is necessary to re-examine this evidence.
This decision represents a legal victory for Trump, potentially delaying the trial further, which aligns with his legal team’s strategy. Despite Special Counsel Jack Smith’s objections, Cannon emphasized the necessity of an evidentiary hearing to address contested issues.
Cannon, however, denied Trump’s request for a hearing on alleged false statements or omissions in the search warrant for the FBI’s Mar-a-Lago raid, stating that the omitted information would not have negated probable cause.
Trump also faces other legal challenges, including a recent conviction on 34 counts of election interference and business fraud, with a sentencing date set for July 11, where he faces up to four years in prison. He is also charged with attempting to overturn the 2020 election in separate federal and state cases.