Special counsel Jack Smith has asked the judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s classified documents case to delay the start of the trial until December, according to a new motion filed late Friday.
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon set a tentative date of August 14 for the start of the trial.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal federal counts related to his handling of classified materials, including willful retention of national defense information, making false statements and representations, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The motion also calls for the list of witnesses that they believe Trump and his codefendant, Walt Nauta, should be barred from speaking to about the case as it moves toward trial.
In Friday’s filing, Smith says he wants to ensure that defense counsels obtain the necessary security clearances to review discovery materials, which will realistically take more time than the August trial date proposed by Cannon earlier this week.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and continues to say he was entitled to the documents, adding the indictment and charges were politically motivated.
