Trump Claims He Will Not Receive a Fair Trial in Current Year for Classified Documents Case

Donald Trump’s legal team informed a U.S. judge on Thursday that they believe he cannot receive a fair trial this year for charges related to mishandling classified documents after his term as president, especially as he is actively campaigning for reelection.

This was stated in a legal document submitted before a court hearing scheduled for Friday, where U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon will review arguments regarding the trial start date. Trump faces four criminal prosecutions, and his lawyers are suggesting an August 12, 2024, start date for the trial, citing concerns about his ability to receive a fair trial as a presidential candidate.

Trump’s attorney has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the discrepancy in proposed trial start dates.

The U.S. Special Counsel, Jack Smith, has requested a trial start date of July 8. Cannon has delayed pre-trial deadlines previously and will make a decision on moving the May 20 trial during the upcoming hearing.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 40 federal charges accusing him of unauthorized retention of national security documents at his Florida estate post-presidency, as well as impeding government efforts to recover them.

Alongside Trump, his personal aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira are also facing charges and have pleaded not guilty.

Trump has been attempting to delay all four criminal cases, alleging they are politically motivated to harm his campaign.

In addition to the mishandling of classified documents case, Trump is set to go to trial in New York state court on March 25 for charges related to the falsification of records to pay hush money to a pornstar prior to the 2016 election. The timeline for the other three cases is uncertain, with their trial dates unknown and it is unclear if any will proceed before the November election.