Judge Aileen Cannon’s recent order to unseal court records could reveal aggressive tactics used by federal prosecutors against individuals linked to former President Donald Trump. Allegations have emerged that prosecutor Jay Bratt, who led the initial investigation into classified documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, employed questionable methods to influence legal counsel Stanley Woodward.
Conservative legal commentator Julie Kelly indicated that Judge Cannon is focused on exposing the details of prosecutorial conduct that might be considered inappropriate or coercive. During an interview with Benny Johnson, Kelly noted that Judge Cannon had seen the alleged 32 documents that Trump reportedly kept, which contain national defense information, and decided to order the unsealing of more court records. According to Kelly, the judge’s intention is to bring more transparency to the case.
The unsealed records could shed light on the allegations against Bratt, who allegedly threatened Woodward to force him to cooperate with the government and turn against Trump. This occurred shortly after the FBI’s armed raid on Mar-a-Lago in 2022. Bratt’s actions, if proven true, could indicate prosecutorial overreach and suggest that pressure was exerted on legal counsel to secure testimony or evidence against Trump.
Kelly noted that Woodward has challenged these methods in the D.C. District Court, alleging prosecutorial and grand jury abuses. The recent unsealing order by Judge Cannon aligns with her previous statements about favoring transparency when possible, despite the classified nature of some aspects of the case.
Judge Cannon, appointed by Trump, has been involved in the case related to classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. She initially granted Trump’s request for a special master to review the seized documents, a decision later overturned by an appeals court. Cannon’s role in the case has drawn significant attention, given her connection to Trump.
Other information in the unsealed documents could reveal details about the National Archives and Records Administration’s referral to the Department of Justice, handled by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. This referral eventually led to a “full investigation,” raising questions about public statements by Garland asserting that neither he nor the Biden White House would influence the investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
