Former President Donald Trump's classified documents case has been assigned to Judge Aileen M. Cannon, a Trump appointee, reigniting debate and prompting calls for her recusal. This assignment follows Judge Cannon's previous involvement in a lawsuit Trump filed after the FBI's Mar-a-Lago raid in 2022. Her ruling in that case, which favored Trump's request for a special master to review seized records, drew criticism and accusations of bias.

The September 2022 ruling temporarily halted the Justice Department's review of the seized materials, which included classified documents, personal records, and other items. This decision sparked outrage among some, who viewed it as preferential treatment for the former president. Figures like former CBS anchor Dan Rather publicly questioned the judge's impartiality, while others expressed concern over potential delays and disruptions to the investigation.

Aileen Cannon, the Florida judge overseeing former President Donald Trump's case in an interview. (Reuters)

Although a special master was eventually appointed, an appeals court later overturned Judge Cannon's initial order, allowing the DOJ to resume its investigation. This reversal was seen as a significant rebuke of her earlier decision. Now, with Judge Cannon presiding over the classified documents case, critics are renewing their concerns and urging her to recuse herself.

Legal experts and former government officials, including former Attorney General Eric Holder and former Justice Department Inspector General Michael Bromwich, have publicly questioned Judge Cannon's ability to be impartial. They argue that her prior involvement in the case, coupled with her appointment by Trump, raises legitimate concerns about potential bias. Some commentators have even speculated that her presence on the case could jeopardize the prosecution's efforts.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Georgia Republican convention, Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Columbus, Georgia. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The current charges against Trump include 37 felony counts related to mishandling classified documents, including allegations of improperly sharing sensitive military information. While the court clerk has stated that Judge Cannon's assignment to the case followed standard procedure, the controversy surrounding her previous rulings continues to fuel the debate. Federal law allows for recusal requests based on perceived bias or prejudice, leaving the question of Judge Cannon's continued involvement in the case open to further legal challenges.

Photos from Mar-a-Lago included in the special counsel indictment of former President Donald Trump. (U.S. Department of Justice)

Photos from Mar-a-Lago included in the special counsel indictment of former President Donald Trump.  (U.S. Department of Justice)

Judge Aileen M. Cannon, a Trump appointee, was assigned to oversee the criminal case against the former president and Republican presidential candidate for his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. (Pool)