Federal Judge Aileen M. Cannon, known for her controversial decision to dismiss the classified documents criminal case against Donald Trump in July, did not disclose her attendance at a banquet in May 2023, funded by a conservative law school.
The event in Arlington, Virginia, honored the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Documents from the Law and Economics Center at George Mason University reveal that Cannon attended a lecture and private dinner, sitting among Scalia’s family, Federalist Society members, and over 30 conservative federal judges. The event’s organizers described it as an opportunity to connect with judicial colleagues.
A rule established in 2006 mandates judges to file disclosure forms for such seminars within 30 days and make them public on the court’s website, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest or undue influence.
Cannon has previously failed to fully comply with this rule. In 2021 and 2022, she attended weeklong colloquiums at Sage Lodge in Montana, sponsored by George Mason, which named its law school after Scalia with the help of $30 million in gifts organized by conservative judicial figure Leonard Leo. These seminar disclosures were only posted after NPR inquiries.
Cannon did not respond to requests for comment. The clerk of the Southern District of Florida stated that Cannon had filed the trips with the federal judiciary’s administrative office but mistakenly did not post them online. The clerk had no information about the May 2023 banquet.
Virginia Canter of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington emphasized the importance of judicial compliance with the law.
Cannon’s husband, Joshua Lorence, accompanied her to the Montana colloquiums, which included conservative jurists, lawyers, and professors. Cannon sought reimbursement for expenses such as airport parking and rental cars.
Judges must also file annual financial disclosures, listing assets, outside income, and gifts. Cannon’s 2023 disclosure form, due in May, has not been posted. The status of her disclosure is unknown.
Cannon’s judicial performance has been criticized by legal professionals for delayed decisions and unpredictable rulings. On July 15, she dismissed the case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith against Trump, deeming Smith’s appointment unconstitutional. Smith is appealing this decision.
Trump, who appointed Cannon in 2020, has praised her, and Federalist Society founder Steven Calabresi called her a heroine for dismissing the case against Trump.
George Mason’s Law and Economics Center has hosted educational programs for thousands of judges, including current Supreme Court justices. The school claims its programs are balanced, but records show a conservative leaning in their content.
Ken Turchi of George Mason stated that judges are solely responsible for submitting disclosure forms. The guest list for the 2023 Scalia Forum included significant judicial figures, such as William H. Pryor Jr., who did file his required disclosures.
The 11th Circuit, which Pryor oversees, has twice overturned Cannon’s decisions in Trump’s case. Compliance with the seminar rule has improved in some circuits due to advocacy by groups like Fix the Court.
After the Scalia Forum trip, Cannon submitted minor reimbursement requests and inquired about an Alaska excursion. She also registered for a George Mason colloquium in Texas but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts.
For any information related to Judge Cannon, ProPublica encourages contact through Marilyn W. Thompson.
