In recent news, a federal judge in Florida, Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing a criminal case involving classified documents against former President Donald Trump, has received over 1,000 complaints in a week. Allegations against Judge Cannon include handling the case slowly to prevent it from going to trial before the presidential election. Many complaints have been filed requesting her removal from the case and reassignment to a different judge, as well as questioning her rulings and delays.
Critics have pointed out Judge Cannon’s delays in ruling on motions, granting hearings to Trump’s lawyers on issues that could be addressed through court filings, and her criticism of the filings made by prosecutors. Trump, who appointed Cannon, is facing charges related to withholding classified government records at his Mar-a-Lago club after leaving office and attempting to hide them. He has pleaded not guilty in this case. In a separate case, Trump was recently convicted on 34 felony counts related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels in 2016.
Chief Judge William Pryor of the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals addressed the complaints against Judge Cannon in a recent order. Some complaints were dismissed as lacking evidence of misconduct, and the court does not have the authority to remove her from the case based on the complaints. Pryor noted that allegations of improper motives in delaying the case were speculative and unsupported. The judicial complaint process is not the appropriate way to seek review of Judge Cannon’s orders, as they are subject to appellate review in the normal course.
Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner discussed Judge Cannon’s handling of Trump’s case in a podcast episode, questioning her impartiality and suggesting she should be removed. Kirschner provided information on how to file complaints against Cannon through the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, leading to an increase in complaints being filed against her. In a previous case in 2022, a panel of the appeals court overturned Cannon’s appointment of an outside watchdog to determine the use of documents seized from Mar-a-Lago in the investigation of Trump, stating that the district court had improperly exercised jurisdiction in the matter.
The complaints against Judge Cannon continue to raise concerns about her handling of the criminal case against Trump and the delays in the legal process. While some critics believe she is intentionally slowing down the case, others argue that the complaints are speculative and lack evidence of misconduct. The judicial council has recommended not accepting further similar complaints against Cannon, and her orders remain subject to appellate review. The ongoing controversy surrounding Judge Cannon’s actions and decisions in the case will likely shape the legal proceedings moving forward.
