In an opinion that was shocking both for its reasoning and its timing, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the Mar-a-Lago classified documents prosecution against former President Donald Trump. She declared that Jack Smith’s appointment as special counsel is unlawful under the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. Even given Cannon’s clear bias and reckless handling of the case from the outset, this development is jaw-dropping. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s anything-goes majority opinion on presidential immunity, we are witnessing the “MAGAfication” of the judiciary, joining Donald Trump in the march toward lawlessness. It should be met with repudiation by voters come November.
The special counsel’s office has announced he will promptly appeal Cannon’s ruling to the 11th Circuit. That court has reversed Cannon before when she dramatically departed from precedent. Legal folks seem to agree that it will be quickly reversed. Of course, I suspect it will go to the MAGA Court and who knows what they will do. Also heard, Smith can seek removal of Cannon.
I wonder what motivates Judge Cannon. It appears unusual for a judge to be so openly bias. Is she just a big MAGA believer or so beholden to Trump? Is she possibly terrified of the MAGA crowd and the threats against other judges conducting trials of Donald Trump that she will do anything to get out from under this case?