In a recent development, Judge Aileen Cannon rejected a request to impose a gag order on former President Donald Trump in his classified documents trial. However, her continuous delays in the trial may have unintended consequences, including a potential deadline on her own involvement.

On Tuesday, special counsel Jack Smith's request for a gag order was dismissed by Cannon, who cited the filing's lack of politeness and insufficient time for Trump's legal team to discuss and reject the request. This decision has left many legal experts concerned about the progress of Trump's criminal trials.

With a defendant known for being outspoken and openly criticizing federal agencies, combined with a judge appointed by Trump that appears to be slow-walking the case, some experts predict that the trial may extend beyond November. This could potentially allow Trump to pardon himself, avoiding any consequences related to the sensitive documents.

However, the constant delays may lead to another alternative: Cannon's removal from the trial. Cannon filed her decision without prejudice, meaning Smith can refile his request for a gag order. If he proceeds with this, it would force Cannon to make a definitive ruling.

MSNBC legal analyst Jordan Rubin explained that Smith could appeal Cannon's ruling and potentially make a case for a new judge to preside over the trial. Legal scholar Matthew Seligman agreed, noting that a renewed motion would place Cannon's fate in her own hands. If she does not approve the renewed motion or indefinitely delays it, Smith could turn to the Eleventh Circuit and ask for their intervention. Alternatively, if Cannon outright denies the motion, there is a high likelihood that Smith will appeal to the Eleventh Circuit, potentially leading to a request for her removal from the trial.

One of the major concerns highlighted by Seligman is the potential for Trump's rhetoric to incite violence against federal law enforcement officers. He pointed out the case of Ervin Lee Bolling, a former Navy submarine technician from North Carolina, who crashed his SUV into the FBI's Atlanta headquarters in April. Bolling, an individual associated with QAnon conspiracy theories and a supporter of Trump's "Stop the Steal" campaign, posed a real-life threat to law enforcement.

Seligman emphasized that Trump's recent messaging could amplify the danger even further. Over the weekend, Trump falsely claimed that the Biden administration authorized the FBI to shoot him during a search at Mar-a-Lago. This kind of misinformation, Seligman warned, could potentially escalate hostility and pose risks to law enforcement authorities.

The uncertainty surrounding the trial's timeline, the possibility of self-pardon, and the concerning implications of Trump's rhetoric have placed the spotlight on Judge Aileen Cannon's decision-making. As the trial progresses, the impact of her delays and the potential for her removal remain significant factors in the pursuit of justice in this case.