Demand Progress

The federal classified documents case against Trump is in jeopardy because of the judge overseeing the case — Judge Aileen Cannon.

Judge Cannon was appointed by former president Trump AND she’s issued rulings in favor of Trump, like when she blocked authorities from using the classified documents in their investigation while the review was underway, slowing the investigation.¹ Higher courts called her attempts to delay DOJ investigations into Trump a "violation of bedrock separation-of-powers limitations."²

Cannon's past rulings raise serious concerns about her ability to rule impartially in this case against Trump.

Sign the petition: Judge Aileen Cannon must recuse herself from Trump’s case.

Last year, Judge Cannon ordered a "special master" to review the classified documents that federal officers found at Mar-a-Lago. Then, she issued the second judgment blocking authorities from using the documents in their investigation.³

Federal law requires a judge to step away from a case in which impartiality "might reasonably be questioned."⁴ Given Judge Cannon's previous rulings in Trump's favor, it’s clear that her impartiality is in doubt.

The integrity of America’s rule of law and independent courts are on the line. Will there be a fair, ethical trial to hold Donald Trump accountable for thirty-seven felony counts surrounding missing classified documents?

If we cannot rely on federal courts to hold Trump accountable for his slew of alleged crimes, our democracy and the rule of law is in serious danger.

Add your name: Judge Cannon must recuse herself in Trump's case!

Sources:

1. New Yorker, “Will the Judge in Trump’s Case Recuse Herself—or Be Forced To?” June 12, 2023.
2. Vox, "Aileen Cannon, the Trump judge assigned to oversee his trial, explained,” June 13, 2023.
3. New Yorker, “Will the Judge in Trump’s Case Recuse Herself—or Be Forced To?” June 12, 2023.
4. NBC News, "How the Florida judge overseeing Trump's trial could hobble the Justice Department's case,” June 11, 2023.