Judge Cannon Presses Jack Smith about Merrick Garland involvement in Trump case

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, currently overseeing former President Donald Trump's classified documents case, pressed special counsel Jack Smith’s team during a contentious hearing on Friday regarding whether and how closely Attorney General Merrick Garland oversees their work.

Smith's team was caught off guard and refused to divulge details, with one prosecutor telling Judge Cannon that he was “not authorized” to discuss communications between Smith and Garland.

The hearing came after Trump's lawyers argued that Smith's appointment as special counsel in November 2022 was unconstitutional, as Smith was not a federal employee and therefore needed a formal appointment and Senate confirmation.

Trump's lawyers have also argued that Smith's office has been given a "blank check" by the Biden administration, which is also constitutionally dubious, as Congress holds the power to appropriate funds.

Cannon has scheduled three days of hearings, which began Friday, indicating that she is genuinely interested in hearing Trump's team out.

This is terrible news for Smith as many see it is a convincing case against the validity of his appointment. Should Judge Cannon side with Trump's lawyers, Smith could be removed, and the case against Trump would come to an unceremonious end.