Judge issues order on Trump’s classified documents case.

U.S. District Judge Orders Security Clearances for Lawyers in Trump Case

Aileen Cannon, a U.S. district judge, has issued her first order in the case against former president Donald Trump. The order, which comes after Trump pleaded not guilty to charges related to mishandling classified documents, requires all parties involved to obtain security clearances for their lawyers. This emphasizes the sensitivity of the case, as it deals with classified materials that a president could access.

According to Cannon’s brief order, attorneys of record and forthcoming attorneys of record must contact the Litigation Security Group of the U.S. Department of Justice to expedite the necessary clearance process for all team members involved in the case. They must file a Notice of Compliance by June 20, 2023.

Pressure and Criticism

Cannon has faced significant pressure and criticism from mainstream media outlets in the past week. Some claim that her appointment by Trump will result in biased rulings favoring the former president. Democratic lawmakers have also called for her recusal from the case.

In August 2022, Cannon barred the use of classified documents obtained during an FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort until a special master could review them. She expressed concern about potential leaks to the media that could harm Trump’s reputation.

“I’m very concerned about her prior rulings and her potential mindset in this case,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Former Attorney General Eric Holder also criticized Cannon’s “legal acumen” without providing further explanation.

Judge Appointed by Trump

Cannon, 42, was appointed by Trump in November 2020. She was randomly selected to oversee Trump’s case, which was brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith.

Trump Pleads Not Guilty

Trump has been charged with 37 counts related to his handling of classified documents. During a court appearance, he pleaded not guilty and took to social media to claim that the case amounts to election interference.

After his court appearance, Trump returned to his resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he delivered a speech criticizing the Justice Department, special counsel Jack Smith, and other federal officials. He accused Smith of being biased against him and vowed to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate President Joe Biden and the “Biden crime family.”

“The ridiculous and baseless indictment of me by the Biden administration’s weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country,” Trump added.