Aileen Mercedes Cannon was born in 1981 in Cali, Colombia. Her mother fled Cuba following the Cuban Revolution, and her father hails from Indiana. Cannon was raised in Miami, Florida, where she attended Ransom Everglades School. She pursued higher education at Duke University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2003. During her time at Duke, she spent a semester studying in Spain and contributed articles to Miami’s Spanish-language newspaper, El Nuevo Herald. She later obtained her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School in 2007, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as an editor for The University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform.
Professional Career
Following her graduation, Cannon clerked for Judge Steven Colloton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 2008 to 2009. She then practiced law at the firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Washington, D.C., from 2009 to 2012. In 2013, she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, serving in the appellate section’s criminal division until 2020. Her tenure as a federal prosecutor was marked by several commendations, including the Timothy Evans Award and the “A-Team” Award for “Truly Exceptional Achievement & Merit” in 2017.
Federal Judicial Service
In May 2020, President Donald Trump nominated Cannon to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, filling the seat vacated by Judge Kenneth Marra. The U.S. Senate confirmed her appointment on November 12, 2020, by a vote of 56-21, and she received her commission the following day. At the time of her appointment, Cannon was 39 years old and had approximately seven years of legal experience.
Notable Cases
Cannon gained national attention in 2022 when she presided over the case of Donald J. Trump v. United States of America. She ordered the U.S. government to pause its review of materials seized from Trump’s residence and appointed a special master to review the materials. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit later reversed her decision, stating she had improperly exercised jurisdiction. In 2023, following Trump’s indictment, Cannon was assigned to oversee the federal criminal case against him. Her handling of these cases has been subject to scrutiny, with some legal experts questioning her impartiality.
Personal Life
Cannon is married to Josh Lorence, a restaurant manager. The couple has two children. She is fluent in Spanish and has a background that reflects a blend of Colombian and American cultures.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aileen Mercedes Cannon |
| Date of Birth | 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Cali, Colombia |
| Education | B.A. from Duke University (2003); J.D. from University of Michigan Law School (2007) |
| Parents’ Names | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Approximately $8 million USD as of 2025 |
| Spouse | Josh Lorence |
| Children | Two |
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
As a federal judge, Aileen Cannon does not maintain public social media profiles.
Latest News
As of January 13, 2025, Judge Aileen Cannon has allowed the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the events of January 6. This decision has garnered significant media attention and public interest.
Height and Physical Appearance
Specific details about Judge Cannon’s height and physical appearance are not publicly available. She maintains a professional demeanor appropriate for her judicial position.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Judge Aileen Cannon’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million USD. In addition to her judicial salary, she has reportedly earned income through real estate investments and business ventures.
