U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed Donald Trump’s classified documents case earlier this year, could be tapped for the role of attorney general if Trump wins the 2024 election, according to a new report. Cannon, who was appointed by Trump in 2020 to serve in the Southern District of Florida, is one of nearly a dozen names being considered for top legal positions within a potential second Trump administration.
ABC News reported that it reviewed a document titled “Transition Planning: Legal Principals,” which outlines potential staffing for the Department of Justice, FBI, and other key legal roles should Trump be reelected. Cannon’s name appears second on the list of potential candidates for attorney general, following former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Jay Clayton.
Cannon’s Pro-Trump Rulings Draw Praise and Criticism
Judge Cannon has become a controversial figure due to her handling of one of Trump’s many legal battles. Her rulings in favor of Trump, including the dismissal of 40 criminal charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith, have earned her praise from the former president and his supporters. However, her decisions have also sparked criticism, with detractors accusing her of potential bias due to her alignment with Trump.
Cannon’s involvement in Trump’s classified documents case, which was dismissed as the Republican National Convention kicked off this summer, brought her into the national spotlight. Her pro-Trump rulings have since fueled speculation about her future role in a second Trump administration, especially as the former president faces numerous legal challenges.
Potential Attorney General Candidates for Trump’s Second Term
Cannon is not the only name being considered for the top law enforcement position. According to ABC News, other potential candidates for attorney general include Jeffrey Clark, Mike Davis, and former White House lawyer Mark Paoletta. All of these figures have been loyal to Trump and could play pivotal roles in reshaping the Department of Justice should he return to the Oval Office.
Clark, a former Department of Justice official who was involved in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, has been a particularly controversial figure. His inclusion on the list of potential candidates has raised concerns among legal experts and political commentators about the direction the Justice Department could take under a Trump administration.
Transition Planning and Legal Strategy
The document reviewed by ABC News suggests that Trump’s campaign is already preparing for a potential transition, mapping out key legal appointments across various government agencies. The list also includes proposed candidates for positions within the White House counsel’s office, U.S. attorneys’ offices, and other critical government roles.
As Trump’s legal battles continue to unfold, the prospect of Judge Cannon or others from his inner circle being appointed to top legal positions adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming election. With Cannon’s rulings already influencing the course of Trump’s legal defense, her potential elevation to attorney general could have far-reaching implications for the Department of Justice and the rule of law in the U.S.
Should Trump be reelected, the staffing decisions made during his transition will be closely watched, particularly in light of his ongoing legal challenges and his administration’s approach to law enforcement.