U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. The indictment alleged that Trump mishandled classified documents by removing them from the White House as he left office, taking them to his Mar-a-Lago club, then engaging in efforts to hide and conceal them from a federal grand jury. Trump was charged with 40 felony counts.
However, Judge Cannon, a Trump-appointed judge, argued that special counsel Jack Smith's appointment to prosecute the case "violates the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution." Her decision is considered controversial and not in line with decades of accepted legal precedent.
Cannon’s handling of the case prior to dismissal was seen as unusual and even questionable, as her apparent favor of Trump coupled with her lack of experience led many experts to believe she could not be a fair or impartial judge. Cannon had been handling motions slowly and failed to set an active trial date prior to the sudden dismissal of the case.
What Happens Next?
Smith will appeal the decision and the Supreme Court can determine whether or not he was rightfully appointed to the case.
