The Department of Justice is poised to add a significant number of charges against former President Donald Trump, specifically pertaining to his handling of classified documents. This development would take place if the federal judge overseeing the case happens to be a Trump appointee.
Sources by The Independent indicate that the Biden administration’s DOJ is preparing what is known as a “superseding indictment,” which would introduce 30 to 45 new charges against Trump. However, concerns arise due to the random selection of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon of the Southern District of Florida to preside over the case, as there are worries that she may demonstrate deference to the president who appointed her.
In the event that the case remains under Judge Cannon’s jurisdiction, the DOJ may opt to bring the new charges in a different jurisdiction altogether. Furthermore, these charges might also extend to Trump’s associates. The Department of Justice officials are wary that Judge Cannon could potentially favor the former president, making it necessary to pursue alternative avenues for the indictment.
At present, Donald Trump faces a federal indictment consisting of 37 counts, which were filed by special counsel Jack Smith. The charges prominently revolve around the alleged willful retention of military documents, with the prosecution invoking the Espionage Act of 1917. Trump’s defense strategy revolves around his assertion that the possession of these documents was legal under the civil statute of the Presidential Records Act.
He cites a previous legal precedent known as the “Clinton socks case,” which was decided around ten years ago by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, an appointee of President Barack Obama. Trump and his supporters argue that this precedent supports his claim that he was entitled to possess the documents in question.
However, the DOJ remains concerned that a Trump-appointed judge like Judge Cannon in Florida could impede the progress of the case. Consequently, they are considering issuing a superseding indictment with additional charges, bypassing any potential hurdles that may arise. In addition to Trump, the special counsel’s team is also contemplating charges against attorneys who represented him during the 2020 presidential election challenge, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani gained notoriety as Trump’s attorney when he brought to light corruption allegations involving Ukraine and Burisma, which implicated Joe Biden during Trump’s presidency.
But, the DOJ is concerned the Trump-appointed judge in Florida will have to be circumvented by a superseding indictment bringing additional charges, sources told The Independent.
The special counsel’s team is apparently also considering bringing charges against attorneys for Trump, including those defending him during the 2020 presidential election challenge, like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Giuliani, was the Trump-directed attorney who unearthed Ukraine/Burisma corruption allegations against Joe Biden when Trump was still in the White House.
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