Donald Trump opposes quick trial in Mar-a-Lago documents case
Donald Trump demands court delay schedule of his trial in classified doc case as his presidential run could delay proceedings beyond the 2024 election
- Judge Aileen Cannon, who oversees the case, initially set a date for the trial with classified documents of August 14
- Prosecutors then asked for an extension until December, saying his lawyers needed additional time to obtain a security clearance to see the files.
- On Monday night, Trump’s lawyers pleaded to delay it further, insisting that due to its unprecedented nature, it could not be rushed
Donald Trump’s lawyers filed a motion Monday night to postpone his trial for mishandling classified information, potentially delaying the case until after the 2024 election.
The 77-year-old’s lawyers asked the Florida judge to give them more time, arguing that the unprecedented case requires “considered consideration and timeline.”
An initial date was set by Judge Aileen Cannon for August 14. Prosecutors then asked for that to be postponed until December, to give Trump’s legal team the time it needed to get the required security clearances.
On Monday, Trump’s team responded to the prosecutor’s request in December, saying it was too early.
Donald Trump, seen on Saturday, has requested that his trial on charges of mishandling classified documents be postponed, possibly until after the election
The 77-year-old is on trial for 37 charges related to obstruction of justice and sharing state secrets
Walt Nauta, Trump’s valet and co-defendant in the case, pleaded not guilty to the six charges against him until July 6, as his arraignment was delayed twice.
Nauta is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding and corruptly concealing documents and making false statements.
Nauta struggled to find legal representation in Florida, which caused the delays, but Jack Smith — the special counsel overseeing the prosecution — accused Nauta on Monday of causing unnecessary delays.
“A continuation indefinitely is not necessary, will cause additional delay in this case, and is against the public interest,” Smith wrote.
Smith and his team have yet to respond to Trump’s request for an extension.
Smith has previously said he hopes for a speedy trial, but Trump’s team said there was no need to hurry.
In their Monday filing, Trump’s team said the interests of justice were best served by a delay.
“This extraordinary case seriously challenges both the fact and the perception of our American democracy,” the lawyers wrote.
“The Court is now presiding over a prosecution brought by the administration of a sitting president against his chief political rival, himself a leading candidate for the presidency of the United States.
“Therefore, an informed consideration and timeline that allows a careful and complete assessment of the proceedings leading up to this indictment and the unprecedented legal issues presented herein best serve the interests of the defendants and the public.”
“Based on the extraordinary nature of this action, then there is certainly no reason for an expedited process, and justice is best served by continuation.”
They emphasize that