The tables have turned in a surprising twist of events. If things had gone as planned, Donald Trump would be facing trial in South Florida for holding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving the White House. But instead, a different trial is set to begin at a federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, putting the Department of Justice on the defensive.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, the federal prosecutor leading the case, will be under pressure as the trial unfolds. Meanwhile, Trump will not need to be present, allowing him to focus on his presidential campaign.
The key player in this legal battle is U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, whose rulings have delayed the case significantly. Her decisions have raised concerns about impartiality and integrity, with some critics calling her a “disgrace” to the federal bench.
Judge Cannon’s decisions have allowed Trump to potentially escape trial if he wins the upcoming election. By entertaining legal arguments that other judges have dismissed and pushing back key deadlines, she has created a situation where the case may not go to trial before the election.
The latest development in the case involves a hearing scheduled for Friday, where both sides will present their arguments and evidence. Trump’s lawyers are seeking to dismiss the indictment, claiming that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was invalid. On the other hand, the DOJ argues that the AG has the authority to appoint special counsels, citing historical precedent.
Conservative activists have rallied behind Trump, criticizing Smith’s appointment and questioning his authority to prosecute the case. They argue that only Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorneys should serve as special prosecutors.
Former U.S. Attorney Donald Ayer believes that the case has been unnecessarily delayed and should have progressed further by now. He dismisses the arguments against Smith’s appointment as trivial and unfounded.
Two years have passed since Trump’s White House valet testified before a grand jury and provided crucial details for the case. The trial has been delayed to a point where it may not conclude before the election, fulfilling Judge Cannon’s apparent goal.
As the legal battle continues, the outcome remains uncertain. Smith will be fighting to keep the case alive, while critics question the legitimacy of his appointment. The upcoming hearing on Friday will be a crucial moment in determining the future of the case.