A federal judge denied the Justice Department continuous access to the nearly 100 classified documents gathered at the property and assigned a special master to analyze the records taken from the Florida residence of former President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon identified Raymond J. Dearie, senior U.S. district judge for the Eastern District of New York, in an order on Thursday, directing him to examine all the items confiscated on August 8.
To continue reviewing the records seized for use in an ongoing criminal investigation, the Justice Department had asked for a stay of the judge’s earlier motion. Cannon rejected the motion, stating that without the particular master review procedure, she wasn’t ready to take all of the department’s claims at face value.
Cannon stated in the decision on Thursday night, “The Court does not think it acceptable to accept the Government’s judgments on these critical and disputed issues without further assessment by a neutral third party in an expedient and orderly fashion.”
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Dearie, a former federal judge chosen by President Reagan, was one of two people TTrump’slegal team suggested for the position of special master. After submitting two of its candidates, the Justice Department later endorsed Dearie for the post.
According to Cannon, the special master’s responsibilities should include conducting a “privilege review”” of the documents, comparing them to the property inventory, and making recommendations regarding any personal items, documents, or presidential records that may be disputed between the parties.
Cannon stated that any allegations about the return of property would likewise be subject to evaluation by the special master. The judge gave Dearie till November 30 to complete his investigation and classifications. The Justice Department announced last week that it would appeal CCannon’sdecision to the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. This development follows that announcement.
