US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing former President Donald Trump's classified documents case led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, raised significant questions on Friday regarding the extent of Attorney General Merrick Garland's involvement in overseeing the special counsel's work.
During the session, Judge Cannon's inquiries appeared to catch Smith's prosecutors off guard, according to Politico.
Trump's attorneys contended that Smith's appointment by Garland was unconstitutional, asserting that Smith lacked the legal authority to prosecute the case.
Judge Cannon's line of questioning seemed aimed at clarifying the degree of Smith's independent authority.
Earlier in the hearing, Trump attorney Emil Bove referenced Garland's previous statements claiming that there was "No coordination" between the Attorney General and the special counsel, with Smith on another criminal case against Trump related to allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
Pearce and Smith's team argued that Smith's appointment was a lawful exercise of Garland's discretion in organizing the Justice Department.
On Monday, the hearing will center on claims by Trump's team that Smith is being improperly funded by the Justice Department.
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