Trump Seeks to Dismiss Classified Documents Case, NY Court Rejects Gag Order Appeal

Former President Donald Trump seeks to dismiss the classified documents case by invalidating Special Counsel Jack Smith's appointment, arguing it was unconstitutional since Smith wasn't Senate-confirmed. Trump's legal team contends that Attorney General Merrick Garland lacked authority under the Appointments Clause to appoint Smith and claims the special counsel's funding violates the Appropriations Clause. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who has faced criticism for her handling of the case, will oversee multiple hearings addressing these arguments, including a motion to limit Trump's rhetoric about law enforcement. Concurrently, the New York Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s appeal against a gag order in his hush money trial, with Chief Judge Rowan Wilson recusing himself due to a potential conflict of interest. The hearings are pivotal as Trump campaigns for the 2024 presidential election while facing multiple legal challenges.