A federal judge indicated on Tuesday that beginning former President Donald Trump’s landmark criminal trial regarding the mishandling of classified documents in December may be premature. However, the judge did not make a decision on Trump’s request to postpone the trial until after the 2024 election. According to the AP, Judge Aileen Cannon stated that she would issue a written order “promptly” following the two-hour hearing in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida. Trump’s lawyers argued for an indefinite delay of the trial date, highlighting the unprecedented nature of prosecuting a former president who is also running for the White House again in 2024.
Trump has continuously denied any wrongdoing and criticized the prosecution as an attempt to undermine his campaign. His legal team argues that he cannot receive a fair trial before the election and asserts that they need more time to review evidence and prepare for a complex case. Although the judge urged Trump’s lawyers to establish some dates and a clearer timetable, she acknowledged the need for additional time to review documents and footage. “We need to set a timetable,” stated Cannon. “Some deadlines can be established now.” Additionally, she questioned the prosecutors about other similar cases involving classified documents that have been tried within such a short timeframe.
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team, advocating for the trial to commence in December, informed the judge that the case is not complex and does not require a lengthy delay. They refuted the defense’s insinuations that Trump was charged because of his presidential campaign, with prosecutor David Harbach emphasizing that there was “no political influence.” Harbach further clarified that none of the team members were political appointees, highlighting that they are all career prosecutors. This hearing marked the first time arguments were presented in front of Cannon, who has faced heightened scrutiny since a court ruling last year, which critics claimed was unfairly favorable to Trump. Trump’s co-defendant, Walt Nauta, attended the hearing, but Trump himself did not, as he was traveling in Iowa on that day, where he addressed his legal challenges while campaigning.
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