A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that the names of potential witnesses in the classified documents case against Donald Trump will remain confidential, addressing a key issue in the ongoing criminal proceedings. The decision by Judge Aileen Cannon came after a prolonged debate over the redaction of information in court filings to protect the identities of individuals who could be at risk if their names were disclosed.
Special counsel Jack Smith's office argued that revealing names and other identifying details could jeopardize the safety of the witnesses involved. Judge Cannon concurred with the prosecution, acknowledging the need to shield witness information from public disclosure, at least for the time being.
As a result of the ruling, more records related to the case will be made public, with witnesses being referred to by pseudonyms to maintain their anonymity. However, witness statements may be included in public filings unless they contain identifying information.
Smith's office had expressed concerns about potential witness harassment and had opposed an earlier order from Judge Cannon that called for greater transparency in identifying witnesses.
Reports indicate that the list of potential witnesses includes several employees from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In her ruling, Judge Cannon criticized the special counsel's office for not raising all their concerns about disclosing witness names during the initial legal arguments over redactions.
Trump's legal team had argued for the right to name potential witnesses, a common practice in criminal cases. Trump and his co-defendants have entered not guilty pleas to charges of obstruction, with the former president also facing allegations of mishandling classified government information.
The case is being heard in Fort Pierce, Florida, under the jurisdiction of Judge Cannon's court.
