Judge Aileen Cannon has denied Special Prosecutor Jack Smith‘s proposed gag order against former President Donald Trump, citing Smith‘s failure to adhere to “basic requirements.” Judge Cannon also wrote that Smith may face sanctions should he refuse to comply with certain requirements moving forward.
“Upon review of the Motion 581 [581-1], Defendant Trump’s procedural opposition 583, and the attached email correspondence between counsel [583-1], the Court finds the Special Counsel’s pro forma ‘conferral’ to be wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy,” Cannon wrote. “It should go without saying that meaningful conferral is not a perfunctory exercise,” Cannon continued.
“Because the filing of the Special Counsel’s motion did not adhere to these basic requirements, it is due to be denied without prejudice,” she wrote.
Judge Cannon further declared that any future non-emergency motion “shall not be filed absent meaningful, timely, and professional conferral.” She laid out specific requirements for all certificates of conferral moving forward and declared that “[f]ailure to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions.”
Judge Cannon has become increasingly frustrated with Smith throughout his prosecution of Trump for the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Cannon recently blasted Smith for inconsistencies on his position regarding the sealing of evidence.
BREAKING: Judge Cannon, as expected, denies Jack Smith's proposed gag order, warns sanctions could be next if he keeps violating the rules. pic.twitter.com/T2Yxb1zvm6
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) May 28, 2024