Trump's Classified Documents Trial Postponed Indefinitely, Jeopardizing Election Case
Indefinite Postponement Jeopardizes Election Case
Donald Trump's trial on charges of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office has been indefinitely postponed without a new date set.
The postponement significantly reduces the odds of Trump facing a jury in either of the two federal criminal cases against him before the November 5 U.S. election.
Trump, seeking to regain the presidency, had previously been scheduled to go to trial on May 20, but the prosecution and defense had both acknowledged the need for a delay.
Challenges to Election-Related Cases
Special Counsel Jack Smith faces obstacles to getting either federal case against Trump to trial before the election.
Cannon has yet to rule on several legal issues crucial to the documents case and has indicated support for Trump's defense on some matters.
In the ongoing election-related case, the U.S. Supreme Court may recognize former presidents' immunity from prosecution over official actions, potentially further delaying the case.
Trump's Legal Strategy
Trump's lawyers have pushed to delay all four criminal cases he faces, including an ongoing trial in New York state court for unlawfully seeking to conceal hush money.
They had suggested an August 12 trial date for the documents case, but Smith proposed a July start date.
Trump's legal team has portrayed the charges against him as politically motivated and has sought to delay the proceedings until after the election.
Potential Impact on Presidential Race
Nearly a quarter of Republican respondents in an April poll indicated they would not vote for Trump if convicted of a felony.
If a jury trial occurs before the election, it would likely draw accusations of election interference from Trump's team.
If Trump wins the election, the federal charges may be dropped or he may seek to pardon himself, potentially avoiding a jury trial altogether.
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