A group comprising ex-government officials, law professors, and democracy advocates are urging for the removal of Judge Aileen Cannon from the classified documents criminal case involving former President Donald Trump. Notable figures such as former Republican Rep. Tom Coleman and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman are among those questioning Cannon’s impartiality. They are calling on the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to reconsider Cannon’s decisions and potentially reassign the case to a different judge. The critics, including government watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), argue that Cannon’s rulings suggest a bias against subjecting former presidents to standard legal procedures.

Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, recently dismissed the case against Trump, citing the illegality of special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment by US Attorney General Merrick Garland. This decision diverged from previous court rulings on the matter, prompting concerns about impartiality. Criticism of Cannon’s handling of the case intensified following her rulings that obstructed document examination and delayed proceedings. Calls for her recusal have been met with resistance, with Chief Judge Cecilia Altonaga cautioning against Cannon’s involvement due to the controversy surrounding her decisions.

The contentious nature of Cannon’s oversight has sparked debates over judicial ethics and impartiality. With multiple briefs and appeals challenging her decisions, the case has become a focal point for concerns about the independence and fairness of the legal system. The push for Cannon’s removal underscores the importance of upholding the principles of justice and ensuring transparency in high-profile legal proceedings.