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Aileen Cannon

Aileen Mercedes Cannon is a United States district judge on the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aileen Mercedes Cannon is a United States district judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2020 and confirmed by the Senate later that year. She became nationally prominent for her role in federal proceedings involving Donald Trump, including the classified documents case.

Early life and education

Cannon was born in Cali, Colombia, in 1981 and was raised in Miami. She earned a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

Before joining the bench, Cannon worked in legal practice and as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida. Her career included work in both appellate and major crimes matters.

Federal judicial appointment

President Donald Trump nominated Cannon to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in May 2020. The Senate confirmed her nomination on November 12, 2020, and she received her commission later that year.

National prominence

Cannon drew widespread attention after being assigned cases involving Donald Trump, especially the classified documents prosecution. Her management of those proceedings became a major topic in U.S. political and legal news, drawing criticism from some legal commentators.

Key facts

  • Aileen Cannon has served as a federal district judge in the Southern District of Florida since 2020.
  • Trump nominated her to a federal judgeship in May 2020, and the Senate confirmed her in November 2020.
  • She was born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in Miami.
  • She earned a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.
  • She became widely known for handling legal proceedings related to Donald Trump’s classified documents case.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Aileen Cannon?
Aileen Cannon is a U.S. district judge on the Southern District of Florida, appointed in 2020.
Where was Aileen Cannon born?
She was born in Cali, Colombia, in 1981.
Who appointed Aileen Cannon?
She was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2020.
What court does Aileen Cannon serve on?
She serves on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Why is Aileen Cannon widely known?
She became nationally prominent for her handling of Donald Trump-related federal cases, especially the classified documents case.

References

  1. Federal Judicial Center — https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/cannon-aileen-mercedes
    Supports: Birth year, birthplace, judicial appointment, nomination date, confirmation date, and education.
  2. Miami Herald — https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article290090404.html
    Supports: Background, South Florida ties, Trump nomination, and role in the classified documents case.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ggl64k191o
    Supports: Service on the Southern District of Florida and public attention around Trump-related proceedings.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/15/us/politics/eileen-cannon-trump-classified-documents-judge.html
    Supports: Education and national prominence related to Trump litigation.
  5. NBC Miami — https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/who-is-aileen-cannon-the-colombian-born-judge-raised-in-miami-that-will-oversee-trumps-documents-case/3052219/
    Supports: Birthplace, upbringing, education, and judicial career details.