“It should’ve already been at trial” Special Counsel Jack Smith Might Seek New Judge in Trump’s Florida Documents Case

In a recent appearance on MSNBC’s “Alex Wagner Tonight,” Joyce Vance, a former federal prosecutor, discussed the ongoing Mar-a-Lago case involving Donald Trump and the potential for it to reach trial before the general election. The case, which is currently overseen by Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation, particularly regarding its pace and the possibility of a change in the presiding judge.

During the interview, host Alex Wagner inquired about Vance’s outlook on the case’s progression to trial, questioning whether there was any reason for optimism. Vance expressed a cautious stance, noting her reluctance to associate the term ‘optimism’ with the Mar-a-Lago case for quite some time. She pointed out that, from a procedural standpoint, the case should have been straightforward enough to be ready for trial already. However, she observed that Judge Cannon appears to be deliberately delaying the process.

Vance highlighted a specific upcoming legal milestone, a section four hearing related to classified information, which Judge Cannon is obligated to conduct. This hearing is pivotal, as it could influence the case’s trajectory, especially if the prosecution team, led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, disagrees with Cannon’s rulings. Should the prosecution find Cannon’s decisions unfavorable, they have the option to file an interlocutory appeal before the trial commences, reported Newsweek.

“I haven’t used the word optimism in the same sentence with the Mar-a-Lago case for a long time,” Vance replied. “It’s a simple case in terms of how to get the case ready for trial. It should’ve already been at trial.”

The possibility of an appeal, according to Vance, could open the door for the 11th Circuit Court to reevaluate Judge Cannon’s role in the case. Vance argued that irrespective of any explicit bias from Judge Cannon, the unique circumstances surrounding her involvement with Trump and related legal matters may undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Such a scenario could warrant her recusal in favor of a different judge to ensure impartiality and restore public trust.

Vance’s comments underscore the complexity of the legal proceedings and the strategic considerations at play. The outcome of the section four hearing, along with any subsequent appeals, could significantly impact the case’s future, including the potential for Special Counsel Jack Smith to seek a change in the presiding judge if the appeal is pursued. This development could, in turn, provide a basis for renewed optimism regarding the case’s progression to trial under a new judicial oversight.