Lawyers for former President Donald Trump asked a federal judge to delay the classified documents trial until after the 2024 presidential election in a late-night filing Monday.
The Story: Attorneys for Trump and his co-defendant, Walt Nauta, said beginning the trial in December would be “unreasonable”.
- “To begin a trial of this magnitude within six months of the indictment is unreasonable, telling, and would result in a miscarriage of justice,” the filing read.
- Last month, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team had requested that the trial be delayed until Dec. 11 after the federal judge overseeing the case, Aileen Cannon, set a date of August 14.
Why it matters: Trump’s team has reportedly been using the tactic to delay the trial until after the election, with reports suggesting the former president will pardon himself if he takes back the White House.
- I could certainly see Donald Trump doing that. That’s exactly what he would intend if he got elected president. And if [his case] was not brought to trial before then, he’s likely to issue that, as well,” Asa Hutchinson said in an interview on ABC News.
