Washington – A federal trial in Florida over former President Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents has been indefinitely postponed by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. The trial, which was scheduled to begin on May 20, 2024, has been delayed due to unresolved issues surrounding trial evidence. Judge Cannon expressed caution in setting a new trial date, citing the need to thoroughly address pre-trial motions before proceeding.
The trial’s delay makes it unlikely to start before the November 5 U.S. election, prompting discussions from both Mr. Trump’s defense team and prosecutors on the best timing for the trial. The former president faces allegations of retaining classified documents post-office and obstructing efforts to retrieve them, including alleged attempts to erase security footage at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Mr. Trump, along with his personal aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira, have pleaded not guilty to the 40 felony counts against them. The legal teams have been entangled in disputes over the presentation of classified evidence at trial, causing repeated delays in the proceedings.
Analysts have speculated on Judge Cannon’s impartiality, with some suggesting that her delays may favor Mr. Trump’s defense. Despite criticisms of slow progress, the judge has scheduled additional hearings to address outstanding concerns and has refrained from setting a new trial start date until these matters are resolved.
Legal expert Carl Tobias from the University of Richmond noted the lack of action from Judge Cannon to expedite the case, criticizing her for not asserting control over the proceedings. While Mr. Trump faces multiple charges in other criminal cases, including an ongoing trial in New York, he is also awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on claims of presidential immunity that could impact all pending criminal proceedings against him.