(WASHINGTON) — The Justice Department is appealing a judge’s decision to name an independent arbiter to review records seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Monday granted the Trump team’s request for a so-called special master and temporarily blocked the Justice Department from using for investigative purposes the thousands of records taken from Mar-a-Lago during the Aug. 8 search.
The order may slow down investigation of whether classified documents are present at Florida property.
Although the Justice Department had been steadfastly opposed to such an appointment it filed a notice stating that it would contest the decision of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Trump appointee Cannon stated that the yet-to-be-named “special master” will review Mar-a-Lago records and separate those potentially covered by executive privilege or attorney-client privilege.
According to the Justice Department, the illegal retention of national defense data at Mar-a-Lago was under investigation. The probe has also been obstructed. Trump, or any other person could be facing charges.
Both sides were asked to submit their proposals for special masters by Friday. A lawyer, or a former judge often fills this role.
Read More From Time
