A federal judge has set a May trial date in the former President Donald Trump classified documents case.
US District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, has ordered that the trial begins on May 20,2024. Prosecutors had requested a trial date in mid-December of this year, while Trump’s legal team requested to delay the trial to preferably a date after the 2024 presidential election, according to CNN.
“The Court rejects Defendants’ request to withhold setting of a schedule now,” Cannon writes. “Nevertheless, the Government’s proposed schedule is atypically accelerated and inconsistent with ensuring a fair trial.”
The date means Trump’s trial is likely to beginning in the middle of the GOP primary contest. But, it’s possible that the date will be pushed back as the former president’s legal team has signaled that they intend to file various motions in the case, according to The Hill.
An advisor to the former president also told CNN that they believe they’ll be able to delay the trial to after the 2024 presidential election, given the trial date is currently set for the middle of primary season.
Trump faces 37 counts related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He has pleaded not guilty.
