A federal judge on Thursday cited vague descriptions of supposed media leaks in rejecting a Justice Department demand to resume part of its probe into former President Donald Trump's handling of records.
According to the ruling, no charges can be brought against Trump while the investigation is on hold. She said that the government wouldn't suffer an irreparable injury due to a delay in the review.
The judge suggested that the alleged leaks to the media were a real threat.
Cannon wrote that there had been no suggestion by the government of any emergency or imminent disclosure of classified information. The unwarranted disclosures that float in the background have been leaks to the media.
Cannon noted media leaks in a previous ruling.
Trump has been the most outspoken on the case, posting frequently on social media about the search and legal process.
The DOJ's actions are political, according to Trump.
Cannon ignored DOJ's insistence that the records contain sensitive defense information that they could impact national security by appointing a special master to review them.
As part of an ongoing criminal probe into how the former president handled materials, the DOJ requested the most sensitive documents be turned over to investigators. The agency appealed Cannon's previous order to appoint a special master and threatened to seek an emergency stay from the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals if she did not agree to delay aspects of her ruling.
The most recent ruling is yet another disappointment for federal prosecutors who are still concerned about the sensitive nature of the documents found at Trump's personal residence.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
