“I don’t know. I know it’s a very highly respected judge, a very smart judge and a very strong judge,” Trump said.

Trump said he is “very proud” to have appointed her in the interview.

“She’s very smart and very strong and loves our country,” Trump said. “We need judges that love our country so they do the right thing.”

[Not coincidentally, Cannon will hold a hearing tomorrow on preliminary motions and discovery in Trump’s federal trial. Trump may have wised up about attacking judges *before* hearings, but this kind of praise might create other problems. Either it might force Cannon to consider recusal, or it might make her more determined to demonstrate her independence. We don’t really have to wonder how Trump’s rhetoric on Cannon will change if she rules against him on any significant issues tomorrow, right? — Ed]