TL/DR –
Judge Aileen Cannon has indefinitely delayed former President Donald Trump’s classified documents trial in Florida, citing significant issues that need to be resolved before the case proceeds to a jury. This postponement takes the trial date closer to the 2024 elections. Trump is accused of mishandling classified documents and interfering with the Justice Department’s investigations, charges that he and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to.
Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely postpones Trump’s classified documents trial
Judge Aileen Cannon has indefinitely deferred Donald Trump’s classified documents trial in Florida. She cited significant challenges surrounding sensitive evidence that requires resolution before the federal case proceeds to a jury.
No new trial dates set
Cannon cancelled the May trial date without announcing a replacement. While Trump attended his hush money trial in New York on Tuesday, there are no forthcoming trial dates for the three other criminal cases against him.
Postponement could push trial closer to the 2024 election
By delaying the classified documents trial indefinitely, Cannon’s order might move it closer to the 2024 election, or even after. The order also implies that resolving legal disputes before a jury hears the case won’t occur until late July.
Multiple pending motions and national security allegations
In her Tuesday decree, Cannon noted eight substantive pending motions and reiterated that national security mishandling allegations in the case “present novel and challenging questions.” All parties concurred that the case wouldn’t be ready for a May jury trial, with prosecution pushing for July, while Trump and his co-defendants suggested August or September.
Trump’s federal cases could collide
The further trial delay could clash with Trump’s two federal cases. In Washington, DC, the former president is charged with alleged crimes he committed during his presidency to reverse the 2020 election results. This case is paused while the Supreme Court considers Trump’s immunity claims with a verdict expected by July.
Accusations in the Florida case
In the Florida case, Trump is charged with mishandling classified documents and obstructing the Justice Department’s investigation in collaboration with Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Hearing scheduled on Trump’s request for Biden administration records
Cannon will hold a hearing on what was considered Trump’s unlikely request for records from the Biden administration. The hearing, commencing on June 24 and scheduled for three days, offers Trump and his attorneys a platform to air accusations about politically motivated prosecution.
Smith’s unlawfully appointment claims
A June 21 hearing on Trump’s claims that Smith was unlawfully appointed is also scheduled. In his plea for records from the Biden administration, Trump asserts that he is entitled to a broad range of records from various federal agencies, including President Joe Biden’s White House, as he alleges these agencies are essentially part of the prosecution team.
Smith’s office counter arguments
Smith’s office responded to Trump’s theories as “baseless,” labelled the discovery request “frivolous,” and stated the defense lawyers’ arguments fell short of the high threshold required for such a proceeding.
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