The idea of Aileen Cannon as a potential Attorney General under Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, with a former Watergate prosecutor calling it “insane.” This commentary follows reports that Trump is considering Cannon for the role if he secures another presidential term.
According to ABC News, Cannon’s name was listed in a document titled ‘Transition Planning: Legal Principles.’ This document suggests potential appointments for key positions in the White House counsel’s office, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and various U.S. attorneys’ offices.
Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, previously dismissed all federal charges against him regarding his handling of classified documents. This ruling was based on her determination that the chief prosecutor, Jack Smith, was improperly appointed.
On X (formerly Twitter), former prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks weighed in, calling the move to consider Cannon for AG “insane.” She shared a post from political strategist Lindy Li, who criticized Cannon’s handling of Trump’s case, arguing that she delayed his trial and protected him throughout the process, suggesting a potential “quid pro quo.”
Attorney Tristan Snell added that if Trump were to appoint Cannon as Attorney General, it ought to trigger an “IMMEDIATE investigation,” questioning a possible quid pro quo related to his classified documents case.
Trump is currently facing 40 federal charges tied to the alleged mishandling of sensitive materials from his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office in January 2021, which he has labeled as a political witch hunt.
In her ruling in July, Cannon pointed out a lack of constitutional basis for appointing a “private citizen” like Smith to oversee Trump’s indictments. Smith is now appealing her decision in a Florida federal appellate court.
The document that listed Cannon as a candidate for AG was reportedly drafted by Trump’s senior advisers, including Boris Epshteyn, a key member of his legal team. Cannon’s name appeared second on the list, following former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, according to ABC News.