In a courtroom drama that could significantly impact the political landscape, a federal judge hinted on Friday that the trial of former President Donald Trump on charges of mishandling classified documents is poised to be delayed, potentially stretching months into the future.
Originally slated for a May 20 commencement, the trial's start date is now uncertain, with both prosecution and defense teams acknowledging during a court session that a delay is imminent. While federal prosecutors advocate for a July start, Trump's legal representatives are pushing for an even lengthier postponement, citing his ongoing presidential campaign as grounds for the delay.
Presiding over the proceedings, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon refrained from setting a new trial date but expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the proposed schedule put forth by the prosecution. With numerous legal motions pending, Judge Cannon emphasized the substantial preparatory work remaining before the trial can proceed.
Special counsel Jack Smith, leading the prosecution, emphasized the urgency of advancing the case without regard to political considerations. However, Trump's legal team contended that a fair trial for the former president would only be possible after the November election, proposing August 12 as the earliest feasible trial date.
Trump, present at the hearing, appeared composed, seated between his attorneys and occasionally offering a smile.
While Trump's adversaries had anticipated that his legal entanglements would hinder his presidential aspirations, his strategic maneuvers have thus far succeeded in delaying many of his court proceedings until later in the election cycle. Consequently, some of the criminal trials he faces may extend beyond Election Day.
The hearing before Judge Cannon coincided with the Supreme Court's decision to review Trump's potential immunity from separate federal charges related to his alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election results. This development grants Trump additional breathing room, potentially postponing any trial in that case for several more months.
Meanwhile, proceedings in a parallel prosecution in Georgia are embroiled in controversy, with a judge deliberating on whether to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis and one of her deputies due to a past romantic relationship.
Trump's impending criminal trial in New York, concerning hush money paid to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, remains on track to commence as scheduled on March 25. However, his legal team argued on Friday that preparing for the Florida trial while defending against the New York charges would be excessively burdensome.
The case involving classified documents, stemming from Trump's actions at his Mar-a-Lago club, has been progressing slowly in South Florida under Judge Cannon's oversight. Trump faces a litany of charges, including 40 felony counts alleging his willful retention of classified material post-presidency and obstruction of the government's attempts to retrieve it. Prosecutors further allege that Trump enlisted club staff to erase surveillance footage to conceal evidence.
