WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice intends to appeal a federal judge’s decision to grant former President Donald Trump’s request for a special master to review documents seized by the FBI from his Florida home, a ruling that temporarily halts the use of the records for investigative purposes.
The Justice Department notified U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Thursday that it would appeal to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In a separate filing asking Cannon to stay part of her decision, the Justice Department says it will appeal if she does not modify her order by Sept. 15.
On Monday, Cannon approved the use of an outside legal expert to review the more than 11,000 records and materials taken during the court-approved Aug. 8 search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, and to weed out any materials that might be protected from the investigation by claims of attorney-client or executive privilege. She agreed to allow a national security review of the documents to continue, but enjoined the Justice Department from using the materials until the special master’s review is complete.
