Staff Reports
An ongoing hearing regarding the leadership of special counsel Jack Smith in the federal government’s case against former President Donald Trump has kicked off in Florida. Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, is expected to grill the Biden Justice Department prosecutor in what promises to be a contentious showdown.
Reported by Fox News, Trump’s legal team is arguing that Smith’s appointment by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland was unconstitutional as it bypassed Senate approval. They contend that this renders Smith unable to prosecute Trump in this case, demanding its dismissal. Judge Cannon, appointed by Trump in 2021, has come under fire for alleged trial delays and purported bias in favor of the former president.
JUST IN: Jack Smith Faces REMOVAL From Trump Case As Hearing Kicks Off.
Hearing to remove Jack Smith from Trump cases begins, focusing on alleged bias and misconduct in handling the investigation. https://t.co/wiZP8Q4lvF
— Holden Cole (@HoldenCCole) June 21, 2024
The New York Times published a critical piece on Judge Cannon, revealing internal calls for her recusal from the case by senior colleagues, a move she ultimately dismissed. Despite criticisms, legal experts like former District Attorney Kendall Coffey argue that the gravity of the allegations against Trump justifies the pace set by Judge Cannon in handling the 40 felony charges brought against the ex-President.
Judge Cannon’s decisions, including allowing hearings on crucial issues and safeguarding witness identities from potential intimidation, have drawn both praise and rebuke. While she has been commended for granting due diligence to the case, she has also faced backlash for chastising Smith over evidence disclosure and accused bias in favor of Trump. The legal drama surrounding Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents continues to unfold in what promises to be a riveting legal battle.
