In a blow to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s efforts, Judge Aileen Cannon of the Southern District of Florida denied the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request for sealed filings in the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. Furthermore, the judge raised concerns about the use of an out-of-state grand jury in the investigation and requested more information from prosecutors.
Judge Cannon questioned the legality of continuing the investigation and pursuing post-indictment hearings through an out-of-district grand jury, which was convened for Trump’s June indictment by the Miami grand jury. The judge’s recent decision was made in response to the special counsel’s request for a hearing to address potential conflicts of interest involving defense attorney Stanley Woodward. Woodward represents both Waltine Nauta, a co-defendant in the case, and three other individuals who may be called as witnesses, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
The trial, slated for May 20, 2024, coinciding with the Republican presidential primaries, will see Trump facing 37 counts, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements. Both Trump and Nauta, who is charged with six counts related to conspiracy to obstruct justice, have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Despite the setbacks, Special Counsel Smith reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and conducting an ethical and fair investigation. However, the case remains highly contentious, with both sides closely monitoring the legal proceedings and scrutinizing the actions of the special counsel.