Former President Donald Trump is set to face a criminal trial in Florida for allegedly unlawfully retaining classified government documents, with the trial scheduled to commence on August 14 or shortly thereafter, as stated in an order signed by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump. The order mandates that both sides submit pretrial motions by July 24.
The special counsel from the Justice Department, Jack Smith, has promised a speedy trial following a 37-count indictment against Trump, accusing him of willfully keeping classified government records and obstructing justice. However, legal experts caution that the complexities associated with handling highly classified evidence, potential challenges by Trump’s legal team regarding the government’s pretrial motions, and the judge’s management of the schedule could all contribute to a trial that lacks swiftness.
Moreover, experts note that there is no assurance that the trial will commence on the specified date.
Judge Cannon issued the order after U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart directed Trump’s defense lawyers on Monday not to disclose evidence pertaining to the classified documents case to the media or the public, as outlined in a court filing. Judge Reinhart also imposed stringent conditions on Trump’s access to the materials.
{Matzav.com}
Good news. The sooner this is over the better.