The federal judge overseeing the classified documents prosecution of Donald Trump is expected to set a trial date on Friday. The crucial ruling could affect whether the Former President faces a jury this year on allegations he stored top secret documents and hid them from investigators.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 24: Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump gestures to supporters during an election night watch party at the State Fairgrounds on February 24, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. Trump defeated Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in her home state as South Carolina held its primary today. Also pictured is Sen. Tim Scott (R) (R-SC).
Per The Associated Press, the trial is currently set for May 20 in a federal court in Fort Pierce, FL. However, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has already postponed several dates in the case and claims she will circle back to the trial date on Friday.
In light of the uncertainty surrounding a separate federal case in Washington charging Trump with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election, this trial date has garnered crucial attention.
The Supreme Court said it would hear arguments in late April to determine whether the president is immune from prosecution, creating a cloud of doubt around the case and if it may reach trial before the November election.
If the Florida classified documents case were to be postponed until after the election, and if the Washington subversion case does not happen this year, it would mean voters would cast their ballots without two crucial federal prosecutions-- both alleging felony charges-- being resolved by a jury, reported the AP.
The Pushback
According to NBC News, in filings Thursday night, special counsel Jack Smith's office suggested pushing the trial back to July 8, whereas Trump's attorneys requested an Aug. 12 start date. His attorneys have made it clear that they aim to push back the trial until after November's election.
"As the leading candidate in the 2024 election, President Trump strongly asserts that a fair trial cannot be conducted this year in a manner consistent with the Constitution, which affords President Trump a Sixth Amendment right to be present and to participate in these proceedings" and "a First Amendment right that he shares with the American people to engage in campaign speech," his lawyers said.
A joint proposal from both sides was submitted requesting a questionnaire for potential jurors.
Trump is facing 40 criminal charges in the case, including willful retention of national defense information, false statements and representations, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and corruptly concealing documents. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
