A legal analyst suggests that Judge Aileen Cain made a notable change to an indictment involving Donald Trump, which could be seen as a favorable move for the former president.
Cain, a U.S. District judge appointed by Trump, edited out an accusation from the indictment concerning Trump hoarding classified documents. This move, made on Monday, removed a claim about Trump displaying a sensitive military map in his New Jersey home. Cain struck that paragraph from the indictment while rejecting Trump’s request to dismiss the entire case.
Lisa Rubin, a legal commentator from MSNBC, suggested the removal of paragraph 36 as a “sweetener” for Trump and Susie Wiles, his campaign chief.
The paragraph in question alleged that Trump showed a classified map of a nation with an ongoing military operation, with negative perceptions, to a PAC representative at Bedminster, reportedly Wiles.
Cain is overseeing an investigation where Jack Smith accuses Trump of unlawfully retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach. Smith also alleges that Trump hindered federal officials from accessing these documents.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to these charges and denied all allegations. Susie Wiles, closely working with Trump, is described as a prominent adviser and has been dubbed “the least-known and most feared political operative in America.”
Legal experts have raised concerns about potential bias in Cain’s handling of the case, particularly in favor of Trump, which has led to tension with Jack Smith, the lead prosecutor.
Rubin elaborated on Cain’s stance on prosecutors using evidence of past wrongdoings, emphasizing the need for prior notification and a subsequent legal process.