Judge Aileen Cannon, the only federal judge in Fort Pierce, Florida, is presiding over former President Donald Trump's criminal prosecution for handling national secrets. Her isolation and lack of trial experience have raised concerns about her ability to handle such a high-profile case.
According to reports from CNN and The New York Times, Judge Cannon had been on the federal bench for less than two years when she was offered to preside over one of her first criminal trials by Senior Judge Paul C. Huck in 2022. Fort Pierce is a small fishing and citrus community where Judge Cannon is the only federal judge.
Senior Judge Huck volunteered to preside over the trial not because she needed help but because he enjoys working in different courts. However, her isolation as the only federal judge in Fort Pierce deprives her of informal interactions with more experienced judges who could offer advice and guidance.
Judge Cannon's lack of trial experience is also evident from her participation in only four criminal trials during her seven years as a Justice Department attorney. On the bench, she has presided over a handful of criminal trials.
Despite these concerns, Judge Cannon is currently handling the classified documents case involving Donald Trump. She has made procedural moves that further delay the trial this year and is considering an argument regarding special counsel Jack Smith's appointment and funding, which other judges have rejected outright.
The trial judges presiding over other cases related to Trump have shown their ability and willingness to move cases along. However, Judge Cannon may face appeal on any number of issues by special counsel Smith before a possible trial against Trump.
