The federal judge overseeing a criminal case against former President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with special counsel Jack Smith. Judge Aileen Cannon, an appointee of President Trump, stated that Smith and his team have taken inconsistent positions regarding keeping some information sealed or hidden from the public. The court unsealed materials consistent with the general presumption in favor of public access, but unsealed materials contain information such as grand jury details that the special counsel has and continues to say should be kept sealed.
Cannon asked for an explanation of the inconsistency, and the special counsel explained that the position on unsealing was taken to publicly and transparently refute defense allegations of prosecutorial misconduct raised in pretrial motions. However, there is no basis to conclude that the special counsel could not have defended the integrity of his Office while simultaneously preserving witness-safety and Rule 6(e) concerns he has repeatedly told the court.
Cannon described herself as being "disappointed in these developments" and emphasized that sealing and redaction rules should be applied consistently and fairly upon a sufficient factual and legal showing. The case was brought against Trump over his alleged mishandling of sensitive documents.
Cannon asked for an explanation of the inconsistency, and the special counsel explained that the position on unsealing was taken to publicly and transparently refute defense allegations of prosecutorial misconduct raised in pretrial motions. However, there is no basis to conclude that the special counsel could not have defended the integrity of his Office while simultaneously preserving witness-safety and Rule 6(e) concerns he has repeatedly told the court.
Cannon described herself as being "disappointed in these developments" and emphasized that sealing and redaction rules should be applied consistently and fairly upon a sufficient factual and legal showing. The case was brought against Trump over his alleged mishandling of sensitive documents.
