Legal Experts Criticize Judge’s Order in Trump Classified Documents Case

In a recent development in former President Donald Trump’s classified documents case, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, has faced criticism from legal experts for her latest order. The order, issued on May 19, partially granted and denied motions related to the sealing and redacting of defense filings. Judge Cannon expressed disappointment with Special Counsel Jack Smith’s approach to unsealing filings, accusing him of inconsistent stances on grand jury secrecy and witness safety.

Trump is charged with multiple felony counts for allegedly keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after his presidency ended in 2021 and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.

Legal analysts, including former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance and legal commentator Allison Gill, have criticized Cannon’s order as “ridiculous.” Vance accused Cannon of being overly critical of prosecutors while being lenient with Trump’s legal team. Gill highlighted Cannon’s approval of Smith’s redactions but her disappointment in his request for them, contrasting it with her denial of Trump’s proposed redactions but still granting a merits hearing on them.

National security attorney Bradley P. Moss described Cannon’s comments as “unnecessary” but within her discretion, noting that she largely rejected Trump’s proposed redactions. Attorney Andrew Weissmann criticized Cannon’s perceived partisanship, suggesting it could align her with controversial figures in the judiciary.

The case has seen significant delays, with Cannon canceling the trial’s initial May 20 start date and postponing it indefinitely due to unresolved motions. This situation unfolds as Trump faces four criminal prosecutions and seeks to return to the White House, including a trial in Manhattan where he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records.