The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s classified-documents case issued an unusual order late Monday regarding potential jury instructions following the trial, despite not yet ruling on key issues such as the trial date. U.S. District Court Judge Aileen M. Cannon has instructed lawyers to submit proposed jury instructions by April 2, focusing on defense motions to dismiss the indictment outright. The judge, who was nominated by Trump and has limited experience, listened to arguments on defense motions last week, indicating skepticism towards Trump’s defense strategies.
Cannon seems to be looking ahead to a trial for the former president by focusing on jury instructions, signaling that she is already anticipating the end rather than the beginning of the proceedings. Her order also suggests a willingness to consider aspects of the defense’s claims regarding the Presidential Records Act, despite national security law experts arguing that the act does not allow presidents to claim highly classified documents as personal property. The case against Trump represents a unique legal challenge, as he faces charges related to allegedly storing classified documents at his Florida home post-presidency, making it the first of four criminal trials he is currently involved in.