Staff Reports
A federal appeals court recently drew up a timeline for the Justice Department’s quest to revive the ever-controversial classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. Just as summer was about to reach its peak, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit announced that special counsel Jack Smith needs to file his opening brief by August 27. It’s a bit like waiting for a sequel to a movie no one asked for, only this time the plot twist is, it keeps dragging on. Trump’s response is expected no more than 30 days later, which should give everyone just enough time to grab a few popcorn kernels before the next round of legal theatrics begins.
Smith isn’t exactly going into this battle with clean hands. His appeal came just two days after Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the charges against Trump on July 17, citing serious issues with Smith’s appointment by Attorney General Merrick Garland. You might think a reminder of how appointments are supposed to work would be the end of this saga, but not in Washington, where clarity and justice seem to take a backseat to partisan agendas. Cannon’s ruling didn’t just come out of thin air; it was two weeks post a Supreme Court decision that broke down presidential powers into clearly defined categories of immunity. For Trump, that could mean a legal shield that keeps the wolves at bay—at least for now.
In Jack Smith’s appeal of Judge Cannon’s order dismissing Trump’s classified documents case, the 11th Cir. sets out initial briefing schedule.
The special counsel’s opening brief is due August 27. pic.twitter.com/xLLdVPBTvg
— Anna Bower (@AnnaBower) July 25, 2024
The dismissal of this case raises eyebrows, especially as it relied in part on the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding presidential immunity. A nod was given to Justice Clarence Thomas’s concurrence, which took a scalpel to Smith’s legitimacy as special counsel. It’s the kind of clarity that any law-abiding citizen would welcome after watching Washington twist the rules faster than a contestant on a reality show. The court’s decision wasn’t just a victory for Trump; it signaled that perhaps the judiciary still holds some semblance of integrity amidst an incessant barrage of political witch hunts.
Should the 11th Circuit ultimately side against Trump, there’s still a safety net of sorts. The former president could appeal the ruling back to the full panel of judges or, if all else fails, take it up to the Supreme Court, where the stage is even larger and the stakes are higher. This creates an interesting dilemma for Smith and Garland, who may be keen on a do-over, but who also need to consider that legal misfires might just elevate Trump’s status in the eyes of his supporters rather than diminish it.
As this courtroom drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Trump continues to be far from defeated. Instead, he’s becoming the perpetual protagonist in a story that refuses to conclude. For conservatives watching this spectacle play out, it’s both a facepalm moment and mildly amusing, as the establishment continues to circle the wagons against a populist force that refuses to be silenced. The broader implications of this case will resonate well beyond the courtroom—much to the chagrin of those in power hoping for a swift resolution.
