WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants in a case involving classified documents are requesting a further delay in setting a trial date. The legal team argues that more time is needed to review additional documents provided by prosecutors before proceeding with the trial.
According to a court filing submitted on Friday, Trump’s lawyers emphasized that the discovery process is still ongoing, with numerous records being requested from the Special Counsel’s Office. They also mentioned the possibility of additional hearings that could result in the production of more voluminous and potentially classified evidence.
The requested delay would allow all parties involved to properly examine and address the pretrial motions already submitted to the judge. Trump’s legal team also pointed out that under the Speedy Trial Act, time would continue to be tolled while the court addresses the pending motions.
Responding to inquiries from NBC News, a spokesperson from the Trump campaign explained that the recent filing aligns with the judge’s direction on determining the earliest possible trial start date. The spokesperson clarified that the filing simply acknowledged that no days had elapsed from the 70-day timeframe allowed by law for setting a trial date.
Critics of Trump and the judge have raised concerns that further postponement of the trial could prevent a resolution before the upcoming presidential general election. Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg remarked that Judge Cannon’s request for additional information indicated that the case was unlikely to go to trial before the election, citing her history of accommodating the defense’s scheduling needs.
The case involving classified documents centers around allegations against Trump, his aide Walt Nauta, and Mar-a-Lago resort maintenance supervisor Carlos de Oliveira. Prosecutors claim that Trump unlawfully stored classified materials at the resort post-presidency, leading to charges such as the willful retention of national defense information and obstruction of justice. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As the legal proceedings continue, the debate over the trial timeline and potential implications for the upcoming election intensifies. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story from West Palm Beach, Florida.