According to Newsweek, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon is unlikely to schedule a trial for former President Donald Trump regarding charges related to classified documents discovered at his Mar-a-Lago estate before the 2024 election. This perspective is shared by former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner, who anticipates that Cannon will continue granting Trump’s legal team flexibility and postpone the trial date, citing the complexities surrounding the classified documents as justification for further delays.
Cannon, appointed to the federal bench by Trump during his final days in office, presides over an area in Florida with a predominantly pro-Trump population, potentially impacting the jury pool’s composition. Previous rulings by Cannon have favored Trump’s efforts to delay the case, and she has shown a willingness to extend the trial beyond the originally planned May date.
Trump faces over 40 counts related to the retention of national security documents post-presidency, including violations of the Espionage Act, to which he has pleaded not guilty. A recent decision by Cannon allowing Trump’s team access to unredacted materials has drawn scrutiny, with legal experts questioning the impartiality of her ruling in favor of the former president.
During a CNN interview, former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti echoed concerns about Cannon’s inclinations, suggesting that she may comply with Trump’s requests to postpone court trials, particularly considering the complexity of the classified documents involved.
While the Department of Justice opposes delays, Kirschner believes Cannon is unlikely to expedite proceedings and hold Trump accountable before the next election. The Supreme Court’s deliberation on presidential immunity in the January 6th case could further prolong legal proceedings, potentially stalling the Mar-a-Lago trial indefinitely.
Cannon holds sole discretion over scheduling and the pace of pre-trial processes, with past rulings indicating a cautious approach that may prioritize ample time for Trump’s legal team to prepare, potentially justifying trial postponement through the election cycle.
Some speculate that facing multiple indictments could harm Trump’s electoral prospects in 2024, while others suggest that ongoing legal battles could energize his base. Regardless, the outcome of the Mar-a-Lago proceedings holds significant political implications, and Cannon’s decision will shape Trump’s future and test the judiciary’s independence.