Watchdog makes the case for kicking Judge Aileen Cannon off of Trump classified documents case
MSNBCAug 30
Report: Judge Cannon on Trump's List as Potential AG
Above: Former Pres. Donald Trump at a campaign event in Greensboro, NC on Oct. 22, 2024. Image copyright: Bloomberg/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Judge Aileen Cannon, who threw out the federal classified documents case against former Pres. Donald Trump, has reportedly appeared on one of the GOP nominee's campaign documents, listed as a potential attorney general in the case that Trump secures second presidential term.
The document, titled "Transition Planning: Legal Principals," which has been reviewed by ABC News, reportedly also suggests potential staffing for the FBI, Justice Department, and US attorneys' offices, as well as the White House counsel's office.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Even for Trump, this quid pro quo is beyond corrupt. As a reward for blocking him from federal prosecution, an inexperienced judge — whose peers have said on record does not understand the law — could be nominated as the US' top lawyer. The leaking of this list undermines justice by incentivizing Cannon to refuse to recuse herself from ongoing cases and instead to rule in Trump's favor.
Republican narrative
Cannon took the same oath as every other judge in the US to enforce justice "faithfully and impartially." The idea that she's done anything in the name of a bias toward Trump is baseless criticism from those opposing the Republican. If Trump believes Cannon's qualified to be the next attorney general, he has every right to appoint her if reelected.