US District Judge Aileen Cannon has issued her first order following former President Donald Trump’s plea of not guilty to charges related to mishandling classified information.

The order instructs the parties involved to initiate the process of obtaining security clearances for the lawyers who will be involved in the case.

Cannon’s order, issued on Thursday, sets a deadline for attorneys to contact the Justice Department’s litigation security group by Friday to expedite the necessary clearance process, CNN has reported.

Furthermore, the judge expects the lawyers to file a notice confirming their compliance with her instructions by June 20.

This order highlights the highly sensitive and classified nature of the materials involved in the case, adding an additional layer of complexity to this unprecedented federal prosecution of a former president.

The duration of the proceedings and whether the trial will occur before or after the 2024 election will partially depend on Judge Cannon’s efficient management of her docket.

By issuing the recent order, Cannon demonstrates her initial interest in moving the proceedings forward without unnecessary delays.

Moreover, the new order places additional pressure on the Trump team to expand their legal representation in the case.

Local rules in the Florida court, where the case was filed, require that Trump’s counsel be admitted to practice law in the state, as reported by CNN.

As the legal process unfolds, the efficiency and management of the case will play a crucial role in determining its timeline.

The order to expedite security clearances signals the judge’s commitment to maintaining momentum in the proceedings.

It remains to be seen how Trump’s legal team will respond to these developments and how they will navigate the requirement for state-barred counsel.

Written by B.C. Begley