The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, on November 3, 2025, issued an order setting a 60-day deadline for U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to rule on motions to release special counsel Jack Smith's report regarding the investigation into Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents.
Records indicate that Judge Cannon ruled on these matters on December 22, 2025, denying the requests to intervene to lift her injunction on releasing the report.
Next Steps:
Following Judge Cannon's denial on December 22, 2025, the Knight Institute and American Oversight filed a notice of appeal on December 23, 2025, moving the issue back to the Eleventh Circuit.
The Eleventh Circuit criticized Cannon for "undue delay" in her handling of the case, and their November 2025 order threatened further action if she did not act by the deadline.
Worth considering... though a judge like Cannon cannot be removed by the circuit judges, she can be impeached in Congress and convicted by the Senate.
Further consider that unethical behavior by a judge can be grounds for impeachment.
Unethical behavior involves actions violating codes of conduct, eroding public trust, and includes bias, conflicts of interest, improper courtroom conduct (rudeness, prejudice), mishandling cases (delays, prejudging), and using the office for personal gain, even personal conduct outside the court that undermines judicial integrity, like criminal acts or discriminatory behavior.
Core ethical violations:
Bias and Prejudice: Showing favoritism or prejudice against parties, lawyers, or witnesses based on race, gender, religion, or other personal factors, or having preconceived notions about case outcomes.
Conflicts of Interest: Allowing personal, financial, or political relationships to influence judicial decisions, or failing to disqualify oneself when a conflict exists.
Improper Demeanor: Being discourteous, rude, abusive, or showing a lack of patience and dignity in court.
Misuse of Office: Using the prestige or power of the judicial office to help oneself or others, accepting bribes or gifts, or seeking special treatment.
Failure to Follow Law/Procedure: Disregarding legal procedures, failing to make timely decisions, or violating rules of evidence or conduct.
Ex Parte Communications: Holding private, improper discussions with one side of a case without the other party present.
What Jack Smith knows about Aileen Cannon could be relevant in a completely different venue, say, as a witness before a Judiciary committee.
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