A federal judge scoffed at an apparent attempt to remove the judge overseeing former President Trump's classified criminal documents case, arguing that the Florida judge appeared to be the victim of an “orchestrated campaign.”
Judge Aileen Cannon was the subject of more than 1,000 complaints in a single week last month, with critics accusing her of intentionally delaying the criminal case against Trump until after the election, according to a CNBC report.
But 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge William Pryor dismissed the attempt, saying in a May 22 order that he “has considered and dismissed four of those orchestrated complaints as relating to the merits and based on accusations that lack sufficient evidence to raise an inference.” that misconduct has occurred.”
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Former President Trump (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The order comes as Cannon has come under fire for her handling of the case, according to the CNBC report, which cited a recent “Justice Matters” podcast by former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner that accused the Florida judge of holding up the case.
“She has stalled the case by refusing to resolve motions in a timely manner and by refusing to even set a trial date. Judge Cannon is NOT an honest broker of the law, and federal law requires that a judge be removed. when his 'impartiality could reasonably be questioned,'” said Kirschner, who also noted that Cannon was a Trump appointee.
The same podcast contained a link to a YouTube video that gave step-by-step instructions on how to file a complaint against Cannon with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Federal Judge Aileen Cannon (US Courts)
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In his order, Pryor noted that “many of the complaints” against Cannon “request that the chief circuit judge remove her from the classified documents case and reassign the case to a different judge” and “question the correctness of his rulings or his delays.” “. her when handing down sentences in the case.”
The chief judge also noted that the judicial complaint process “is not the appropriate way to seek review of Judge Cannon's orders; however, her orders are subject to appellate review in the normal course.”
Pryor also argued in the order that little evidence had been presented to justify action to remove Cannon.
Former President Trump leads a spring retreat for Republican National Committee donors in Palm Beach, Florida, on May 4, 2024. (Donald Trump 2024 Campaign)
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“Although many of the complaints allege an improper motive for delaying the case, the allegations are speculative and not supported by any evidence,” the judge wrote. “The complaints also do not establish that Judge Cannon was required to recuse herself from the case because she was appointed by then-President Trump.”
